Review: THE DROWSY CHAPERONE Presented By California Lutheran University Creative Arts Division Comes In With Flying Colors

The Drowsy Chaperone Presented By California Lutheran University Creative Arts Division Comes In With Flying Colors

For those of you who have never seen a production of this ode-to-classic-Broadway-musicals-with-a-modern-twist, run to the nearest production to see this campy, clever, and double entendre-filled romp.

For those of you in the area of California Lutheran University and beyond, you are in luck as there is a terrific production currently running through May 1st.

The basic plot: From his dingy and run-down apartment, with the only decoration being the adornment of Broadway musical memorabilia strewn throughout every nook and cranny (bravi to Props Master, Teresa Scarano and Set Designer, Erik D. Diaz with Technical Direction by Joshua Clabaugh), the Man-In-Chair, a Broadway trivia fanatic (flawlessly played by Kevin Repich) takes us on a memory-filled journey of one of his favorite Broadway musicals, The Drowsy Chaperone. As he spins his web of imagination, the action unfolds and moment by moment the audience is transported from his mind to the action which eventually takes life and is played out on the stage in front of us.

Director/Professor/Theatre Department Chair, Ken Gardner, has assembled a multi-talented ensemble cast that (with the assistance of Choreographer/Senior Adjunct Professor, Barbara Wegher-Thompson and Vocal Director/Adjunct Professor, Heidi Valencia Vas and a live orchestra conducted by Professor Dr. Daniel Geeting) understands the unique style of Vaudeville acting technique needed for this type of musical, which they execute credibly.

Kudos to all...but honorable mention goes to Malissa Marlow who plays Janet Van De Graaf, a woman torn between love and career. Marlow is a tour de force on stage and brings to life all of the nuances of what could be a one dimensional interpretation.

Another stand out is Chris Reynolds-Baldwin, who plays Janet's fiancé Robert Martin. With a rich baritone voice and matinee idol looks, Reynolds-Baldwin fits the bill. And...he can roller-skate and tap, too!

In the title role of The Drowsy Chaperone aka Beatrice Stockwell, it's originator, Beth Leavel, received a TONY Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. For this production, Leah Dalrymple is in good company. Dalrymple shrugs, mugs, belts, poses with the air of a pro. Each and every movement has a purpose and every purpose has a movement.

Rounding out the cast are Kyle Poppert as the stoic butler, Underling; Michael Berquist as the over-the-top Producer, Feldzieg; Allie Leslie as Kitty, the chorine with a heart of gold; Ryder Christ as George, the ultimate Best-Man; Kaitlin Ruby as the adorable Mrs Tottendale; Sophia Roberts and Annika Dybevik as the dynamic gangster duo; Andrew White as the lothario, Adolpho; Mindi Carpenter as Trix, the aviator with a Broadway belt; and the hardest working chorus in show-biz...Danielle Beckerman, Noor Baghai, Paige Pensivy, Brooke Sikkema, Will Haddock, Marvin Rue Jr, and Keanu Quick.

But if nothing else...go for the costumes!!! Bravi to Professor Noelle Raffy and her crew for the amazing collection of beads, bangles, feathers, furs, tuxedos and suits that have been brought together to instantly identify this specific time period for which we are shifted by our imagination.

The Tony Award-winning "musical within a comedy" will be performed at 8 p.m. April 21, 22, 23, 24, 29 and 30. Matinee performances will begin at 2 p.m. April 23 and May 1. The theater is located at 141 Memorial Parkway. Admission is $20. Tickets are available at CalLutheran.edu/theatrearts. For more information, call 805-493-3415.

Malissa Marlow is Janet Van De Graaf and Christopher Reynolds-Baldwin is Robert Martin. Photo credit: Brian Stethem/Cal Lutheran.