Norris Center for the Performing Arts Stages THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, Now thru 5/11

The Norris Center for the Performing Arts presents the madcap musical comedy, "The Drowsy Chaperone" today, April 25 - May 11. Winner of five Tony Awards, the toe-tapping trip back to the golden age of musicals is one of the funniest and most original shows in Broadway history.

The Norris Center's production is produced and directed by James Gruessing, with choreography by Ann Myers and musical direction by Daniel Thomas. The 16-member cast stars Broadway veteran Larry Raben (Man in Chair), Tracy Lore (Drowsy Chaperone), Jessica Ernest (Janet Van De Graaf), Jeff Max (Adolpho), Eric Michael Parker (Robert), Lindsay Brooks (Mrs. Tottendale), Greg Nicholas (Feldzeig), Chris Daniel (George), Noelle Marion (Kitty), Danny Michaels (Underling) Adam Trent (Gangster #1) and Jon Wailin (Gangster #2).

"The Drowsy Chaperone" begins as a modern-day musical theatre fanatic tries to chase the blues away by playing his favorite cast album - the fictional1928 smash hit, "The Drowsy Chaperone." From the crackle of the hi-fi, the musical magically bursts to life in his living room, and the audience is suddenly swept into the glamorous and hilarious tale of a pampered Broadway starlet who wants to give up show business to get married, while her producer plots to sabotage the nuptials. Adding to the uproarious wedding day mayhem is a cast of colorful characters including the starlet's tipsy chaperone, debonair groom, a Latin lover, a pair of gangsters disguised as pastry chefs, and an aviatrix. The high-spirited show within a show is filled with thrills and surprises that take both the cast and the audiences soaring to the rafters.

Featuring music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison and book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, "The Drowsy Chaperone" spoofs musical-comedy fanatics as well as the genre itself and the extravagant musicals of the 1920s. The catchy score includes such showstoppers as "Show Off" and "Accident Waiting to Happen," accompanied by a 12-piece orchestra and dazzling choreography. Critics have called the show "the perfect Broadway musical."

Performance times for the April 25 - May 11 engagement of "The Drowsy Chaperone" are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for children ages 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.norriscenter.com or call (310) 544-0403. The Norris Theatre is located at 27570 Norris Center Drive in Rolling Hills Estates. Free parking is available adjacent to the theatre, and the facility is wheelchair accessible.

About Norris Center for the Performing Arts: Established in 1983, the nonprofit Norris Center for the Performing Arts produces and presents a full season of professional, live theatre performances each year, from Broadway musicals to concerts and plays. The Norris Center is comprised of three facilities; the 450-seat Norris Theatre, the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion, and a new dedicated education building that houses its acclaimed performing arts education program. The Norris Center for the Performing Arts is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, in the South Bay area of Los Angeles.

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