The Drowsy Chaperone is anything but tired

By Jacquelyn Pass     11/1/12 7:00pm

Hanszen College and Brown College theater's The Drowsy Chaperone offers a hilarious sendoff of the beloved classical musicals of yesteryear, resulting in a meta-experience that is both strange and enjoyable. It is perfect for those who have ever had one too many Cole Porter songs ingrained in their minds as the musical both mocks and celebrates the corniness of old-school musical theater.

The show opens in the home of a single, not-so-subtly gay musical enthusiast who shares his nostalgic longing to experience the joys of theater in its heyday, when Gershwin and Berlin were enjoyed by all and one's worries could be left outside the theater doors for a few short hours. Thus begins the show within a show, The Drowsy Chaperone: The paradigm of 1920s musicals showcases the standard pointless show tunes, mistaken identities and uncomfortable racial stereotypes.

The enjoyability of this bizarre little romp is directly linked to the highly entertaining, over-the-top, nonsensical characters portrayed by a superb ensemble cast. The Man in the Chair who provides explanations and trivia throughout the show is played by Sid Richardson College senior Alex Karge. Karge acts the part to perfection. Every line delivery and expression is spot on as he revels in watching the outdated musical, compelling the audience to love the cliches and contrivances as much as he does. Supposed B-rate side characters steal the show just as much as the leads. The comedic styles of theater veterans Jones College senior Carter Spires and Hanszen senior Nicki Pariseau do not fail to delight. You may wonder at first what the disguised gangsters or the moronic Latin lover Adolpho, played by Brown senior John Mendell, are doing in this setup, but these characters are all so ridiculously funny you will not care.

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Lead actor Brown senior Omar Banda is a charming dope groom who should be praised simply for his abilities to tap dance and roller-skate around the stage. Duncan College  junior Megan Troxell, while charming and mostly capable in her role of the showgirl ready to tie the knot, lacks both the presence and graceful movements needed to be convincing as a siren of the stage. 

The songs were written to be performed by powerful voices, and the majority of the solos are not sung to the caliber they deserve. The exception is the drowsy chaperone herself, played by Brown junior Elizabeth Pogue, whose impressive pipes make the number "Stumble Along" the best by far. While not always succeeding individually, the performers do manage some skillful harmonies, most likely the result of solid vocal direction.

The Drowsy Chaperone is not an easy production to critique objectively. Appreciating it does take some experience with classical musical theater, and while the audience is led to believe the horrendous lines and lyrics scattered throughout the show are intentional, they are still painful to suffer through at times. A few too many pauses disrupting the rhythm make parts drag on for longer than they should. Still, the production is well-executed, with terrific costumes, an impeccably kitschy set and bright, fun lighting. Though perhaps not for everyone, The Drowsy Chaperone is an entertaining, laugh-out-loud farce and a must-see for any theater lover.

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