Chamberlain, Opel Join Engel in 'Drowsy Chaperone' Tour

Casting has been announced for the North American tour of the Tony Award-winning hit musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, which launches in September 2007 with a return to its hometown of Toronto.

Georgia Engel will reprise her role of Mrs. Tottendale for the tour, as previously announced. Joining her are Cliff Bemis (Feldzieg), Andrea Chamberlain (Janet Van De Graaff), Robert Dorfman (Underling), Fran Jaye (Trix), Mark Ledbetter (Robert Martin), Marla Mindelle (Kitty), James Moye (Aldolpho), Nancy Opel (The Drowsy Chaperone), Paul Riopelle (Gangster #1), Peter Riopelle (Gangster #2), and Richard Vida (George). Rounding out the cast are Kevin Crewell, Taylor Farrell, Tiffany Haas, Alicia Irving, James Patterson, Chuck Rea, Mason Roberts and Jennifer Swiderski.

For the Toronto engagement, Bob Martin will return to the stage as the Man in Chair. Beginning in Cleveland, Canadian actor Jonathan Crombie will take over the role.

Click here for the list of cities and dates of the National Tour.

The Drowsy Chaperone, directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, features music and lyrics by Tony Award-winners Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison and a book by Tony Award winners Bob Martin and Don McKellar.  The musical received 13 major awards including Tony Awards for Best Book, Original Score, Costume Design and Scenic Design.

"To chase his blues away, a modern day musical theatre addict known simply as 'Man in Chair,' drops the needle on his favorite LP – the 1928 musical comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone," explain press notes, "From the crackle of his hi-fi, the musical magically bursts to life on-stage telling the tale of a pampered Broadway starlet who wants to give up show business to get married, her producer who sets out to sabotage the nuptials, her chaperone, the debonair groom, the dizzy chorine, the Latin lover and a pair of gangsters who double as pastry chefs.  Man in Chair's love of The Drowsy Chaperone speaks to anyone who has ever been transported by the theater." Visit www.drowsychaperone.com for more information.