By LeAnna Hamblin
The Drowsy Chaperone, with music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, book by Bob Martin and Don McKellaris a show within a show that brings joy to all who attend Four Seasons Theatre Company’s outstanding production in Smithfield, Utah. Opening on Broadway in 2006, this show was a quick success, pulling audiences in with its lively music and vibrant, relatable characters. Four Seasons Theatre Company brings this show to Northern Utah in the same manner. Directors (and brothers) Kody Rash and Jon Rash gather a talented cast and crew to bring the same production quality as in the Tony Award–winning original Broadway version.
With a quaint set, creatively designed by Daniel Rash and Nathan Allen, the audience is transported to a cozy apartment where we meet the first of the charming characters, Man in Chair, played by Trevor Dean. Dean plays this flexible role (which I’ve seen played by young or old, male or female) so convincingly, that the audience can’t help but feel his love for theater and the role it has played in his life. Man in Chair takes the audience through an entire musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, which he grew up listening to with his dearly departed mother. As he narrates, the show is played out onstage as if it is in his imagination. The characters come to life through him, even though he has never been able to see the live show for himself.
Celeste Baillio channels her inner Carol Burnett to play the role of The Drowsy Chaperone. Her physical antics and comedic timing keep the audience laughing and engaged, especially while onstage with Aldolpho (Brad Baillio). This husband and wife duo show their commitment to the production through their hard work and dedication to their roles, most notably during the numbers, “As We Stumble Along” and, “Aldolpho,” where we finally see the two fall in love.
Set designer and paint specialist Allen is multi-talented, sharing his acting skills onstage as he plays the role of Feldzieg, the overzealous producer who desperately tries to keep his show from closing because his leading lady, Janet (Staci Nemelka), has decided to tie the knot and leave show business forever. Kitty (Jordan Ames) is ready to take over the role of star if only Feldzieg would see just how “talented” she is. Ames is hilarious and quirky and gives a performance that the audience can relate to.
Feldzieg must answer to two gangsters, played by Jarod Jensen and Dakota Dewaal, about the success and run of his show. In the number, “Toledo Surprise,” the two gangsters assert their authority and power over Feldzieg to let him know that their boss means business: no show, no money. Jensen and Dewaal are dedicated to their roles and, it shows through the effort they put onstage. The choreography (with Nemelka as choreographer) is outstanding, and the synchronicity during this number is evidence of the hard work put forth by the entire cast.
Britney McCarthy, who is cast as Janet, unfortunately was unable to be in this performance because of severe illness (She is expected to return to the stage before the run ends), with Nemelka performing as Janet at the last minute. She does an amazing job considering she had less than 48 hours to learn music, lines, blocking, and cues, and the chemistry she has with the cast, especially Walker McKenna (who plays Janet’s groom), is convincing. When a group of performers supports one another, the success is beautiful.
McKenna also has outstanding chemistry with Josh Hopkins, who plays George, Robert’s best man and wedding planner. As McKenna and Hopkins tap their way across the stage in the rousing number, “Cold Feets,” (choreographed by Annalyse Chidester), the audience is energized and engaged. Hopkins is a strong stage presence who keeps the cast together as they navigate through interwoven stories. All George wants is to be able to pull off the perfect wedding for Robert and Janet. When things start to unravel, he tries desperately to weave them back together again, ultimately ending up with more than what we bargained for.
One actor who wows the audience is Adreienne Hansen, who plays the part of Trix, the aviatrix. Her voice is clear and strong, and the character she brings to a lesser-known role in this show left me wishing that she could have been in another number or two. Leigh Hopkins, who plays the role of Underling, and Teresa Jones, who plays Tottendale, also act well opposite each other onstage. Their quirky antics and repeated spit takes leave the audience laughing and wanting to offer a towel to poor Underling.
Light designer Chase Cook does a fabulous job creating mood and movement during many scenes, especially during the transformations from the Man’s small apartment to the stage of his imagination. And sound designer Justin Wellington captures the essence of both the intimate experience of listening to a record to the big sound of a full stage production.
Four Seasons Theatre Company partners with Sky View High School to bring the arts to the community. I am very impressed with the professionalism and branding this production company does. I had no trouble identifying who was part of the staff, and they were all so very kind and helpful. Four Seasons is doing a great service to the Northern Utah community by making quality, family-friendly arts available to everyone.
The Drowsy Chaperone, presented by Four Seasons Theatre Company, in Smithfield, Utah is a lively and entertaining show for all to see. Bring your family and friends and enjoy “a little something for when you’re feeling blue.”
Four Seasons Theatre Company presents The Drowsy Chaperone with music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison and book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar.
Four Seasons Theatre Company, 520 South 250 East, Smithfield, Utah 84335
March 8-18, 2019 7:30 PM, Monday, Thursday-Saturday; March 9, 16, 2019 1:00 PM Saturday Matinee
Tickets: $12-$14, Group tickets available
Contact: (435) 535-1432 https://www.fourseasonstheatre.org
Four Seasons Theatre Company Facebook Page
Drowsy Chaperone Facebook Event
0 Comments