Special to KT by Mikayla LaFortune? and Melanye Amaral –
This spring, Nepean High School will be presenting a Tony award- winning musical production that first made its debut in 1998. The Drowsy Chaperone will be performed in Nepean’s auditorium May 18, 19, and 20. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m.
This story focuses on an eccentric musical theatre fan. As the curtain rises, we find ourselves in the New York City apartment of Man in Chair, a man who finds comfort in his record collection of Broadway musicals. As he presents the audience with the overture of his all-time favourite, The Drowsy Chaperone, we are taken back to the Tottendale residence in 1928 – a time of excitement, passion and prohibition.
The scatterbrained Mrs. Tottendale appears with her loyal, but long-suffering butler, Underling, who informs her that the wedding is about to begin. As the guests gather, we meet the various principals: the dashing bridegroom, his best man, the bride-to-be, her scheming producer with his latest ditzy showgirl on his heels, and finally, the bride’s chaperone herself, a diva of the highest order.
Described as a musical within a comedy, the story unfolds with hilarious complications and conflicts. The wedding is on, then off, then on again, in a loving tribute to the golden age of Broadway.
Nepean High School presents major musicals every other year. This year’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone has been in development since the auditions began in September. Rehearsals began February 1, 2016. In addition, the Nepean theatre production class has been building sets, making props, creating costumes, and supporting the many other facets of the production.
The actors and dancers in the show are accompanied by the award-winning Nepean High School pit band under the direction of Rocco Romeo. Teachers Caroline Coltman and Jeff Kanter have developed this show as directors and producers and the company has been working alongside a vocal coach, Lee Carter, in order to refine the musical numbers.
Tickets to The Drowsy Chaperone, are being sold for $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information in regards to tickets or the production, visit? sites.google.com/site/nhsthedrowsychaperone/ or instagram.com/nhs.thedrowsychaperone.
Mikayla LaFortune and Melanye Amaral are students at Nepean High School.