BWW Reviews: Ritz Theater's DROWSY CHAPERONE Almost Dazzles

The plot is a story within a story. To chase away his blues, a musical theater addict simply known as "Man in Chair" drops the needle on his favorite LP- the 1928 musical comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone. From the scratchy crackle of his record player the musical magically bursts to life in his humble little apartment. We are taken into the zany tale of a pampered Broadway starlet who thinks she's ready to give up show business for marriage; her producer who sets out to sabotage the ceremony, her over the hill saucy and sauced chaperone, the handsome, nervous groom, a Latin lover and a pair of bumbling pastry chefs with connections to the mob. As mad cap as "Noises Off" an equally insane Broadway comedy, Drowsy Chaperone is almost too much fun on one stage!

So why does this Saturday night crowd sit so quietly? In their defense perhaps some of this audience was not familiar with the show or what to expect or when to laugh -"cue the cast"- as it was unfolding. But I tend to think the casting could have been a bit stronger and comedic timing could have been a bit more spontaneous to generate the slap stick, in your face humor that this award winning clever, funny show proved to be on Broadway for almost 2 years.

The female leads land all their roles spot on! Leading the ladies, Megan Pisors plays Janet Van De Graaff as adorable as any rising star can reach. Her show stopping "Show Off" is a high energy workout for the entire cast. In contrast, Jenn Collelouri plays the darling and yes a bit daffy Mrs. Tottendale, who is just happy there will be wedding. Martha Marie Wasser plays Kitty, the clairvoyant chorus girl waiting for her big break and tickles the audience with her ditsy antics. But it's Emily Lowenstein the Drowsy Chaperone who grabs the audience with every crooked smile, every stumble, every Gloria Swanson moment, not to mention her ability to deliver her money song "As We Stumble Along".

The weaker links appear at least to me, to be the male leads. The groom-to-be Robert Martin played by Chris McGinnis works the role nicely but never quite reaches the caliber of dancing, singing and acting that this multi-talented role calls for. The narcissistic Latin lover Aldolpho played by the beefy Craig Hutchings is more ludicrous than funny with literally no chance to charm anyone, even as a farce. Stephen Coar and Ryan Ruggles are unconvincing as gangsters and are better suited as bakers. The cleverly written culinery puns they deliver fall fairly flat for the most part. The focal point of the story telling is handled by the "Man in Chair" character which is played by Al Fuchs, who seems to take his time warming up the crowd with the narration of his favorite show breathing life and color into the piece. The audience is never quite sure whether to pity him or laugh or just sit there. It's not until the second act, yes this production has an intermission, where Fuchs begins to rally some humor that appears to connect to the crowd who begin to "get it" as the plot begins to unfold and the tempo begins to pick up. It appears to be the turning point largely due to The Combined effort of the entire cast.

Direction is by Producing Artistic Director Bruce Curless who keeps the action flowing nicely. Had the male leads been cast a bit stronger and the well written comedy delivered in good timing this would make for an excellent production. Choreography by Kate Meditz is adequate but with few "wow" moments. Set designs by W. Kris Clayton are very clever and imaginative moving the action of this fast paced piece nicely and without a hitch considering we never leave the one room apt.

The music and lyrics of Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison are a comfortable fit suited for both the 1920's and the appeal of a modern audience.

Drowsy Chaperone plays at the Ritz Theatre, 915, White Horse Pike, Haddon Heights through May 18th. For tickets and more information visit www.ritztheatreco.org or call 856.858.5230

Photo #1 Megan Pisoris as Janet Van De Graaff

Photo #2 Emily Lowenstein as the Drowsy Chaparone

Photo " #3 Craig Hutchins as Aldolpho and Pat De Fusco as Feldzieg

Photo Credit: Chris Miller

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