WESTERLY — “The Drowsy Chaperone,” a Tony Award-winning spoof that’s been described as “the perfect Broadway musical,” and “a hilarious valentine to show tunes and show people,” opens Friday at the the Granite Theatre for a two-week run.
The musical tells the story of a forgotten Jazz Age show that comes to life in the living room of a diehard theater fan. As he eagerly spins his favorite cast album, a fizzy vintage show suddenly appears, exploding with song, dance and pure entertainment.
When the storyline adds in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theater producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone, all the ingredients are present for an evening of madcap delight.
The quirky narrator fills the plot holes, with laugh-out-loud results. Packed with show-stopping numbers and larger-than-life characters, “The Drowsy Chaperone” will have everyone audiences falling in love with zany musical comedy.”
This “masterful meta-musical,” that “pokes fun at all the tropes that characterize the musical theater genre,” is directed by Marla Ladd with music direction by Lynn Dowding and choreography by Nicole DiMattei, the theater’s artistic director.
Gwen Boiselle is stage manager, Jane Mandes is in charge of costume design and Wren Tetlow is the lighting designer.
Winner of five Tony Awards, including “Best Book” and “Best Original Score,” “The Drowsy Chaperone” is a loving send-up of the Golden Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song-and-dance number after another.
The cast includes Alex Pimental, Laura Thompson, Elijiah Russell, Jessica Gates, George Sanchez, Marlo Dennis, Erika Lund, Chris Lund, Richard Springman, Eric Nayden, Carly Mastriano, William Pereira, Jonathan Hart, Trey DiGioia, Joyll Smith, Ryan Sanborn, Gracelyn Smith and Sandy S. Gaccione.
Tickets are $35 for adults, excluding taxes and fees.
