DAPA and Augustana University to present THE DROWSY CHAPERONE

The Dakota Academy of Performing Arts at the Washington Pavilion will collaborate with Augustana University to present an award-winning musical comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone.

Area high school students have worked under the guidance of professional directors and designers at Augustana University's Theatre Department in a two-week rehearsal process, culminating in performances July 28 at 7 p.m. and July 29 at 2 and 7 p.m. at Augustana's Edith Mortenson Center.

Nationally-recognized youth actors will take the stage in this Tony Award-winning show, which parodies the musical comedies of the 1920s with witty, modern humor. This show-within-a-show centers on a devoted musical theatre fanatic, whose favorite cast album comes to life in all of its cheesy, old-time glory.

Maddie Lukomski, who plays the production's titular character, explains, "The show's comedy is surprisingly accessible. You don't have to be a fan of classic Broadway to get the humor." She and 26 other actors work to make the production fun and entertaining for the entire audience.

Jayna Fitzsimmons, the director of the performances, states the production "showcases the talent of the students in our community. Our students can sing, dance, and crack a joke with some of the very best."

Tickets are $12 general admission, and are available at www.washingtonpavilion.org or at the Edith Mortenson Center the day of the show.

The Washington Pavilion is the region's home for the arts, entertainment and science. Located in a beautifully renovated historic building in downtown Sioux Falls, it is one of only a few facilities in the world to bring together under one roof the performing arts, visual arts and interactive science. The vast array of high quality programming and educational activities available through the Husby Performing Arts Center, Kirby Science Discovery Center, Visual Arts Center and the Community Learning Center ensures that people of all ages and walks of life can rely upon the Washington Pavilion to inspire, educate, entertain and enrich. There is, indeed, something for everyone here. For information about our programs, please call (605) 367-7397 or, (toll free) at 1-877-Wash Pav or visit our website at www.washingtonpavilion.org.