Review of "The Drowsy Chaperone"

Flirtatious fun, an apt description for The Drowsy Chaperone, the delectable diversion playing at the Goodspeed Opera House through November 25^th.  The production, a spoof of 1920’s giddy, harebrained musicals, is effervescently entertaining and will put a smile on your face.

 

John Scherer as Man in Chair in Goodspeed Musicals’ The Drowsy Chaperone, now playing at The Goodspeed through November 25. Photo Credit © Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The featherbrained plot centers around the upcoming nupitals of a glitzy, famous actress to a handsome son of an oil magnet.  Complications, of course, ensue as competing forces vie for the wedding to proceed and be called off.  The stylized characterizations include a fretting best man; a bumbling, Latin Lothario; a flustered producer and his ditzy girlfriend; two disguised gangsters; the liquored-up bride’s chaperone; and a jolly, self-depracating narrator, who anchors the production. 

The role of the narrator, known as the Man in Chair, elevates the musical from a breezy send-up to splendiferous entertainment as he lobs bon mots and keeps up a steady stream of wisecracking banter.  He begins the musical, alone on stage in his comfy easy chair, explaining to the audience that when he is blue he enjoys listening to Broadway cast recordings on his record player.  His favorite?  The Drowsy Chaperone, which he then proceeds to play while chronicling the action and backstory of the scenes and performers as they come to life in his small, nondescript apartment. 

 

“I Don’t Wanna Show Off” Stephanie Rothenberg (Janet Van de Graaf) with the cast of Goodspeed Musicals’ The Drowsy Chaperone, now playing at The Goodspeed through November 25. Photo Credit © Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, which won the 2006 Tony Award, is cleverly structured, saucy, and high-spirited. There is a loving and knowing nod to Broadway musical aficionados that is good-natured and quite humorous.

The score by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison is exuberant, frothy, and full of opportunities for individual cast members to shine.   

 

“Toledo Surprise!” The cast of Goodspeed Musicals’ The Drowsy Chaperone, now playing at The Goodspeed through November 25. Photo Credit © Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The performers attack their roles with gusto and a genuineness that adds to the hilarity and vivaciousness of the production.  They are led by John Scherer in the pivotal role of Man in Chair.  He is assured, charming and amusing from the onset, setting a mirth-filled tone to the show.  The actor’s antics and droll repartee has the audience in stitches almost immediately. 

Other notable cast members include Stephanie Rothenberg as Janet Van de Graaff, the radiant and attractive starlet.  She nimbly skates through a range of emotions from teary-eyed bride-to-be to bubbly luminary.  While delightful, the performance could have been strengthened with a bit more panache.

 

John Scherer (Man in Chair) with Parker Slaybaugh (Gangster 2) and Blakely Slaybaugh (Gangster 1) in Goodspeed Musicals’ The Drowsy Chaperone, now playing at The Goodspeed through November 25. Photo Credit © Photo by Diane Sobolewski

Clyde Alves, as the groom Robert Martin, is a handsome bon vivant.  There’s not much depth in the role but he, nonetheless. Is a good sport dashing on and off stage handling each predicament with a playful exasperation.  Jennifer Allen is flippant and brash as The Drowsy Chaperone, but she could have been even more audacious and impertinent.  John Rapson is suitably over-the-top as the Latin lover Aldolph.  The Slaybaugh brothers, Blakely and Parker, just about steal the show as the two gangsters disguised as pastry chefs.  They are outrageously funny and are talented hoofers.  Let’s hope they continue to grace Connecticut productions.

Choreographer Chris Bailey delivers a handful of high-stepping dance routines and tap dancing extravaganzas.  His work is used sparingly within the musical, but each time produces crowd-pleasing enthusiasm.

 

“Rhythm make dem cold feets hot!” Tim Falter (George) and Clyde Alves (Robert) in Goodspeed Musicals’ The Drowsy Chaperone, now playing at The Goodspeed through November 25. Photo Credit © Photo by Diane Sobolewski

Director Hunter Foster has a light touch as he guides the large cast on and off the small Goodspeed stage.  He seamlessly integrates the Man in Chair with the other elements and scenes from the show.  Each segment of the musical is skillfully presented as a miniature vignette focusing on the individual characters and their distinctive plights.

The scenic design by Howard Jones deftly interweaves a meager apartment layout with more lavish sets associated with the rich and whacky.  He even manages to land an airplane on stage.

 

Escape the everyday with the cast of Goodspeed Musicals’ The Drowsy Chaperone, now playing at The Goodspeed through November 25. Photo Credit © Photo by Diane Sobolewski

Gregg Barnes’ costume designs are elaborate creations, gorgeous to gaze upon.  He truly captures the sumptuousness and grandeur of the high-flying upper class.

The Drowsy Chaperone, a sparkling, lighthearted musical, playing through November 25^th.