BWW Reviews: BroadHollow's THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
The Tony Award winning musical The Drowsy Chaperone, the latest from BroadHollow Theatre Company, is indeed a fascinating piece. I say fascinating because at its entertaining core, it is a show within a show spoofing old musicals. The plot includes mistaken identities, dream sequences, an unexcitable English butler, a Broadway producer going crazy over his Follies production, comical gangsters, a ditzy chorine, a harried best man, and a "Drowsy", er, alcoholic, "Chaperone" amongst other stereotypes.
The enjoyable Jordan Hue directed incarnation runs through May 4th at BayWay Theatre continuing at their Elmont location beginning May 10th.
We first meet the "Man in the Chair" portrayed by John J. Steele, Jr. He is looked upon as a father figure and the audience has, let's say, gathered for story time in his living room (Bob Butterley's single set is comprised of a really cute, quint apartment for him with all the trimmings). The length of the show has him - in present day - depicting his favorite 1920's show, The Drowsy Chaperone. However, as he is playing the cast album - and giving a running commentary - that musical "comes to life" next to him as if in a dream sequence. Mr. Steele, Jr. is delightful in the role of our gentle, kind storyteller and receives lots of laughter as he is giving us a glimpse of his favorite show - even the scenes and songs he doesn't like.
Also a highlight among the talented cast is Maren Fischer who portrays the aforementioned "ditzy chorine" Kitty. Ms. Fischer is certainly on point with her comedy, but the audience, while receptive, could have been more enthusiastic. Fischer delivered well particularly in a hilarious performance of "Message from a Nightingale" at the beginning of act two.Ed Huether was also superb as the self-proclaimed famous Latin-lover Aldolpho. With Danny Burstein in this role during the original Broadway run, whoever portrays Aldolpho has to be top notch and Mr. Huether is incredibly funny. Standouts also include Jonathan Coffin and Michael Recchia as the gangsters. Their shtick brought roars of laughter.
Overall, it seems an important thing to remember when seeing The Drowsy Chaperone is to pay attention and to have an open imagination. The book by Bob Martin & Don McKellar and Score by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison could come off as confusing if you miss a moment of the show. This particularly as they go back and forth between the dream sequence and present day so quickly.
And so BroadHollow certainly has another fun show on their hands with The Drowsy Chaperone. A talented cast and creative show make for a night at the theatre that is full of laughter.
The Drowsy Chaperone is presented by the BroadHollow Theatre Company through May 4th at the BayWay Theatre and starting May 10th at their Elmont location. Book by Bob Martin & Don McKellar, Music/Lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison, Directed by Jordan Hue, Set Design by Bob Butterley, Costume Design by Jason Allyn, Lighting Design by Hemraj Budhram, Music Direction by Mary Ellin Kurtz, Choreography by Jessy Gill, Stage Management by Andrew Wenzel. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 581-2700 or visit www.broadhollow.org.
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