BWW Interviews: Peter Buzny Talks The Drowsy Chaperone

The Drowsy Chaperone is one of Canada's critical musical theatre darlings.  It was a Toronto Fringe hit that then went on to massive success on Broadway and throughout the United States and Canada.  A show for theatre lovers of all ages, shapes and sizes, it has been awhile since Toronto saw a production of this fun and enjoyable piece.  CATS Mainstage is thrilled to be putting it on this holiday season, and BWW is happy to bring you this interview with Director and Choreographer Peter Buzny:

You are bringing THE DROWSY CHAPERONE back to Toronto stages which is very exciting, is this your first time directing a production?
Yes, very excited that this is my directorial debut! I have co-directed and choreographed for this company in the past, and have choreographed productions other than CATS Mainstage, but THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is my first production as Director and Choreographer.

Did you see the original production either at Toronto Fringe or later when it was picked up by Mirvish Productions?

I did not see the original Fringe production or the Mirvish Production. My first introduction to DROWSY was from the 2006 Tony Awards telecast, and then I saw the Toronto stop of the 1st National Tour when Dancap Productions brought it to Toronto.

Are there going to be any interesting changes that people who have already seen the show would appreciate?

There will be some changes. Not to the script or any of the music, but changes to the staging, especially for the ensemble.

Working with a youth theatre company is exciting and challenging all at the same time. You have to think of ways to showcase the youth as much as possible and to allow them to grow as artists. So in our production we have a larger ensemble than the original, and we have weaved them in and out of each number which creates bigger dance numbers and a livelier atmosphere.

Why this show? And why now?

We originally picked this show because of its humour and content in relation to the existing members of the company. Myself and Gina Anki (Artistic Director and founder of CATS Mainstage), try to pick productions that we know our cast can shine in, and The Drowsy Chaperone is a perfect fit. I think the humour of the show, the over the top staging and giant musical numbers lends itself quite well to a young theatre company situated in downtown Toronto. I mean, this is where it all started.

What are you most excited about with regards to putting on this show?

There are many things to be excited about. Everything from my directorial debut to being the first Canadian musicals that CATS Mainstage is producing. We also just recently received our Charitable Status, and sponsors are starting to support us. We are all very excited and thankful that CATS Mainstage is continuing to gain support and acknowledgement from this amazing city, and hope that more will come on board.

Finally, what would you say is the number one reason to come and check out this particular production?

This Canadian musical is a gem. You will leave the theatre with a smile on your face, and your toes tapping. It is a celebration of the love for Musical Theatre. And what better way to share that love and support, then to watch our next generation of talent express their love for theatre.

When and Where?

CATS Mainstage Presents THE DROWSY CHAPERONE

December 15-19, 2010 at Berkeley Street Theatre, Downstairs.

Tickets can be purchased in person, by phone at 416-368-3110 or online here

For more information please visit www.mainstage.com or www.canstage.com

 

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