By: Renessa Visser, junior reporter
Interested in attending a humorous, upbeat, and witty play that will keep you on the edge of your seat? Redeemer’s upcoming mainstage play, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” offers this kind of experience.
Jenna De Boer, the stage manager, said that “The Drowsy Chaperone is a musical about a man who’s feeling a little blue and decides to listen to his favourite record, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” This brings to life a musical from the 1920’s, including a dashing groom and a beautiful bride who is leaving the show for love. There are two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a producer trying to stop the wedding, and an aviatrix. The main character, the Man in the Chair, guides the audience through the musical with his own commentary. It’s fun and bright, with choreography that’ll knock your socks off.”
When asked how the rehearsal process is going thus far, Director Dr. Starks said, “Directing this show is like working on two plays at once. The Man-in-the-Chair is a one man show; the musical is the complete opposite. Isaac Schuster, the actor who portrays the Man, is on stage for the entire show and must memorize a large script. The musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, presents its own set of challenges. Aside from the dialogue, music, and choreography, these actors have had to learn the very particular stylized movements and banter.”
The play forces actors to work against conventional training, meaning that every actor “has had to learn something that they have never done before.”
According to Jenna De Boer, the musical is appropriate and enjoyable for all ages. “There were a couple of things that we had to change script-wise, as the play is set in the 1920’s. We wanted this show to be family friendly, where audience members of all ages would appreciate it.”
The play’s plot and witty dialogue will leave a lasting impression on the audience. As Dr. Starks explained, “After an evening of fun, the audience will be humming a tune with lifted spirits—especially if they came in feeling a little blue.”
A great number of people have worked to bring the production together, such as “Burlington’s Long and McQuade, Ariel Rogers at The Player’s Guild, Village Theatre Waterdown, Sierra Spence and all of the many people who have donated time, items, and guidance,” Dr. Starks explained.
Be sure to invite a friend for an entertaining, laughter-infused evening! The musical will be running from January 30 – February 2, and tickets can be purchased at: https://tickets.redeemer.ca/eventperformances.asp?evt=16