I’m finding those smile-inducing moments in the theatre more frequently these past few weeks. Shifting Ground Collective’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone happily continues that welcome trend.
This outstanding, standing-ovation-worthy opening night unfolds in the cluttered, “needing a clean-up” apartment of the anti-social Man in Chair (Martin Julien), who immediately breaks the fourth wall to speak directly with the audience. Feeling blue, he decides to lift his spirits by playing his favourite Broadway musical LP — the fictional 1928 show The Drowsy Chaperone. As the Man places the LP on the turntable, something magical happens: the characters spring to life before both the Man and the audience, filling the stage with colourful period costumes, buoyant song, and spirited dance numbers guaranteed to charm even the most reluctant sourpuss who may have been dragged to the theatre..
At the centre of the story is the wedding day of oil tycoon Robert Martin (Ben Ridd), who is set to marry vaudeville star Janet Van De Graaf (Juliette Schroeder), a performer determined to leave the vaudeville and theatre stage behind for married life. Robert’s stressed best man George (Tanner Hamlin) scrambles to ensure the ceremony goes smoothly. The delightfully eccentric hostess, Mrs. Tottendale (Jill Louise Leger), presides over the proceedings with the help of her loyal butler, Underling (Aiden Robert Bruce).
Janet’s tipsy chaperone (Heidi Michelle Thomas), who tends to fall asleep after one drink too many, is tasked with keeping Robert away from his bride before the ceremony. Complications multiply with the arrival of Broadway producer Feldzig (Duncan Lang), determined to lure Janet back to the stage to star in his Follies. Feldzig’s excitable flapper escort Kitty (Lara Lucia) would happily step into the spotlight herself.
Completing the wonderfully eccentric cast are two gangsters disguised as pastry chefs (Avi Petliar and Benjamin Earl), the flamboyant Latin lover Adolpho (Carlos Basterrachea), and daring aviatrix Trix (Johevah Cobby).
This was my first time seeing The Drowsy Chaperone, and I truly had no idea what to expect.
What audiences should expect is laughter — plenty of it — along with a heartfelt reminder of what musical comedy does best: offering joyful escapism from the real world, even if only for a short while.
The creative team transforms the Theatre Passe Muraille auditorium with imagination and ingenuity. Jessica Balyk’s set cleverly captures the drabness of the Man in Chair’s apartment, while Jay Hines’ lighting shifts seamlessly from that muted environment to the dazzling glow of showtime. Gabriel Woo’s eye-catching costumes authentically evoke the glamour of the 1920s, and sound designer Ashley Naomi ensures a strong balance between singers and orchestra. Every lyric is clearly heard — a real gift for those, like me, who are new to the show.
Director Joshua Kilminik demonstrates a genuine affection for the musical comedy genre. He guides the effervescent production with tremendous warmth and a clear understanding of the musical comedy’s playful spirit. Shannon Murtagh’s choreography is sharp and energetic, particularly in the lively ensemble numbers “Fancy Dress,” “Toledo Surprise,” and “Show Off,” performed with flair by Kathryn Carter, Mona Hillis, Liam McGibbon, Diego Teran and other members of the company.
Music director Jo O’Leary-Ponzo maintains a keen ear for the wit embedded in the lyrics. Songs such as “Cold Feets” and “Love Is Always Lovely in the End” reward careful listening, revealing the clever humour tucked into the score.
The performances throughout are joyful and exuberant.
Martin Julien engages and anchors the production as the agoraphobic Man in Chair, delivering witty commentary with relaxed ease. Dressed in a cozy cardigan, loose trousers, and bright red slippers, he seems perfectly content to spend the evening sharing his beloved Broadway musical with us.
Heidi Michelle Thomas is deliciously campy as the drunken chaperone, winning laughs, particularly in her number “As We Stumble Along.” Juliette Schroeder and Ben Ridd make an appealing musical comedy couple as Janet and Robert, navigating absurd obstacles that threaten their happily-ever-after.
Jill Louise Leger radiates delightful Georgia Engel-like charm as Mrs. Tottendale, especially in her mischievous duet with Aiden Robert Bruce’s dutiful Underling. Tanner Hamlin’s George embodies the frantic best man determined to keep everything on track.
Duncan Lang makes Feldzig a blustery yet lovable presence, while Lara Lucia’s Kitty flutters about with classic flapper enthusiasm. Avi Petliar and Benjamin Earl provide gleefully goofy gangster antics, and Carlos Basterrachea delivers a scene-stealing performance with the hilarious “I Am Adolpho,” his flamboyant seduction of the Chaperone becoming one of the evening’s comic highlights.
A particularly enthusiastic cheering section of ‘Chaperonites’ perched themselves behind me — theatre-goers who clearly knew what delights were coming. Their excitement was infectious.
I arrived at Theatre Passe Muraille unsure of what to expect during the show. The only thing I knew was that the play received rave reviews on Broadway and had first played at the Toronto Fringe Festival. I had no idea Chaperone premiered at Passe Muraille over twenty years ago.
What I graciously received instead was a thoroughly entertaining evening at the theatre.
See The Drowsy Chaperone. If opening night is any indication, this production is likely to sell out quickly.
Running time: approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, with no intermission.
Now playing through March 21 at Theatre Passe Muraille.
Tickets:
https://ca.patronbase.com/_TheatrePasseMuraille/Productions/26DC/Performances
Shifting Ground Collective presents
The Drowsy Chaperone
Music and Lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison and Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar
Directed by Joshua רועיKilminik
Choreography: Shannon Murtagh
Music Direction: Jo O’Leary-Ponzo
Set and Props: Jessica Balyk
Costumes: Gabriel Woo
Lighting Design: Jay Hines
Sound Design: Ashley Naomi
Stage Manager: Ayokunmi Oladesu
Performers: Martin Julien, Juliette Schroeder, Ben Ridd, Heidi Michele Thomas, Carlos Basterrachea, Duncan Lang, Lara Hamburg, Tanner Hamlin, Jill Louise Leger, Aiden Robert Bruce, Avi Petliar, Benjamim Earl, Jehovah Cobby, Kathryn Carter, Mona Hillis, Liam McGibbon, Diego Teran
