By Tom Ganser
Correspondent
The Whitewater community is in for a real treat with the Whitewater High School Players production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” Nov. 20-22 at 7:30 p.m. in the WHS auditorium
“The Drowsy Chaperone” is a musical farce and parody of American musical comedy of the 1920s. The story concerns a middle-aged, asocial musical theatre fan. As he plays the record of his favorite musical, the (fictional) 1928 hit “The Drowsy Chaperone,” to cure his “non-specific sadness,” the show comes to life onstage as he wryly comments on the music, story and actors.
“The Drowsy Chaperone” debuted in 1998 in Toronto and opened on Broadway in 2006. The show was nominated for multiple Broadway (2006) and London (2008) theatre awards, winning five Tony Awards and seven Drama Desk Awards.
Jim McCulloch, Liz Elliott and Abi Pulvermacher are directing this production.
The talented includes Allisan Barrett, Sarah Beckum, Gianna Creanza, Heather Ceranske, Connor Dalzin, Mitch Dalzin, Haley Dieter, Gabe Heller, Hannah Hitchcock, Sally-Kate Hixson, Jeremy Hoesly, Andra Matthews, Marren McCulloch, Josh Palayo, Ashley Rinebold, Alli Sedmak, Kristof Staniszewski, Caty Strait, Yvanna Strait, Emma Stutzman, Remi VanDaele, Travis Winger, Lydia Wiley-Deal and Caitlyn Zimdars.
Performing in the pit orchestra are Josh Barrett, Nathan Barrett, Jordan Heller, Abby King, Jimmy King, Madeline Kuhl, Mitch Lema, Kit Zoesch Laumann, Andi Markham, Anatoly Parker, Jeremy Reutebuch, Amelia Strand and Ben Zaballos.
Elliott, who directs the singing for the musical, said the “The Drowsy Chaperone” has some interesting characters that challenge the actors and actresses in both their singing and dialogue.
“Creating a character and maintaining that character while singing can sometimes be very tough,” she said. “However, having the students experiment and create their character is a lot of fun. It is neat to watch their character come alive and to see students coming out of their shells.”
Elliott added, that many of the songs in this production are “catchy, humorous, and have a swing influence.”
Tickets are $8 for adult, $5 for senior citizens and students, and are on sale at the WHS Box Office or by calling (262) 472-8178 to reserve seats.
