Story and images provided by Town and Gown Theatre
Patrons of Stillwater’s Town and Gown Theatre may not be familiar with “The Drowsy Chaperone,” but if that’s the case, they will be wonderfully surprised when they attend the show in June. The heartwarming musical-within-a-comedy features a zany plotline that will have audiences rolling. The story as written by Bob Martin and Don McKellar goes something like this: A man with a love for classic musicals sits in his favorite chair in his small New York apartment and puts on his favorite record, the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” The recording comes to life as the man looks on and narrates the action. With two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate and grumpy theatre producer, a famous showgirl, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan, a saucy European, a pilot named Trix the Aviatrix, and an intoxicated chaperone, this show-within-a-show has the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight.
Co-Director Renae Perry explains why she wanted to share “The Drowsy Chaperone” with Town and Gown patrons. “We chose this show for very simple reasons. It’s extremely funny and boasts a Tony-winning original script and score. The cast is a medium-sized ensemble that allowed us to feature Town and Gown regulars like John Mark Day as Underling the Butler and Tiara Young as Trix the Aviatrix, as well as newcomers such as Gavin Drew as Man in Chair (the narrator) and Devon L. Jackson as Aldolpho, the European. It has catchy and ridiculous songs that are both fun and challenging for our theatre company. It also provided challenges for our production team. For instance, we had to build a tap floor for a four-minute number choreographed by our Dance Captain, Sydney Weiser. The song is danced by Co-Director John Lackey (as Robert) and newcomer and Music Director Daniel Christian Taylor (as George). This show is lighthearted, touching, and hilarious, and we could not be more thrilled to be producing it at Town & Gown!”
“The Drowsy Chaperone” is recommended for ages 13 and up and will run for ten performances, June 19—23 and June 26—30. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:30 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Monday, June 17th and can be purchased by calling the box office at (405) 372-9122 or visiting the theatre’s web site at www.townandgown.org. Tickets prices are $16 for adults, $14 for students, and $14 for seniors attending either Sunday matinee.