'The Drowsy Chaperone' comes alive at Cocoa Village Playhouse
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Buckle up for a trip down memory lane, as Cocoa Village Playhouse opens the nostalgic musical comedy "The Drowsy Chaperone." This witty and whimsical show, known for its hilarious take on the golden age of musical theater, opens Sept. 22 for a run through Oct. 8.
"The Drowsy Chaperone" is a musical within a comedy. With music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison and a book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, the show is a love letter to the show tunes and eccentric characters that made the stage a magical place. It originally debuted in 1998 and found its way to Broadway in 2006, winning five Tony Awards including Best Original Score.
At the heart of the story is a reclusive musical theater aficionado, known only as "Man in Chair," played by Rick Roach. He seeks solace from his everyday life by immersing himself in his favorite cast recording, which happens to be the fictional 1928 musical "The Drowsy Chaperone." As he plays the record, the show comes to life in his living room, blending reality with the magic of musical theater.
The musical-within-the-musical is full of all the clichés and tropes of old-school 1920s musicals. Dominique Hickey takes on the role of glamorous starlet "Janet Van De Graaff," the fictional show's leading lady, who is in love with cartoonish oil baron "Robert Martin," played by Nathaniel Knepper-Quijano.
Rounding out the cast, Rita Moreno steps into the role of the titular character, the drowsy chaperone herself. Sally Kalarovich plays aviatrix "Trix," and Jeanette Roach plays stately aristocrat "Mrs. Tottendale."
"The Drowsy Chaperone" is a celebration of the escapist magic of theater. It reminds us of the power of imagination and the joy that can be found in the most unexpected places. Nowadays, when many of us seek refuge in nostalgia, this production is a welcome escape.
The Man in Chair's love for musicals will sweep everyone along for the ride. "The Drowsy Chaperone" is a show that reminds us of the joy of theater, the magic of music, and the beauty of dreams.
If you go
'The Drowsy Chaperone'
Where: Cocoa Village Playhouse, 300 Brevard Ave., Cocoa
When: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Oct 8
Tickets: Start at $35
Info: 321-636-5050
On the web: cocoavillageplayhouse.com
Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Musical-within-a-comedy 'The Drowsy Chaperone' at Cocoa Village Playhouse
