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| Alex Kunz and Brittany Howk photo: Tim Trumble |
"The Drowsy Chaperone, which is about to celebrate its tenth anniversary of opening on Broadway, is one of the most joyful musicals of the past several decades. The show is narrated by a man who doesn't just love musicals he LOVES them. There is one musical he is especially enamored with, and the joy that particular show brings him washes over the orchestra pit and into the audience in Lyric Opera Theatre's exceptional production of this Tony winning show. This show is set in the apartment of a single man who is feeling a bit blue so he decides to play the cast recording of his favorite show, The Drowsy Chaperone to cheer himself up. This fictitious 1928 musical is one that he says perfectly achieves the escape from reality that musicals can provide. As he plays the record for himself, and for us as the fourth wall is fairly nonexistent in this show, the musical comes to life in his apartment....Tony winning bookwriters Bob Martin and Don McKellar are to be commended...in their decision to include such an interesting character, Man in Chair as he is called, someone that anyone who loves musicals can immediately identify with. His obsession with musicals, and this musical in particular, and how we get to know him as a person is what makes him not only three dimensional but a person we truly care about. The ASU / Lyric Opera Theatre cast is exceptional in delivering superb vocals as well as plenty of laughs. As Man in Chair, Alex Kunz is exceedingly endearing. The few times when he speaks about himself, his past, and his personal feelings make us also care deeply for him. The superb voices and refined comic abilities of Frances Tenney and Brittany Howk add plenty of lift and zing to their roles as the Drowsy Chaperone and Janet Van De Graaff, respectively. Their individual solos of "As We Stumble Along" and "Show Off" are excellently delivered with big, belting voices. As Janet's fiancé Robert, Drake Sherman's clear vocals and winning stage presence are especially appealing....Director Robert Kolby Harper adds numerous original touches to make the production shine. His decision to bring Man in Chair out into the audience at several points in the show (completely unobtrusively, so if you're concerned that you may be pulled into the action on stage you have no worries) makes perfect sense, especially since he does continually talk to the audience throughout the show, so this is a logical next step. He keeps the pace fast but makes sure the charming moments shine through, too.... Choreographer Molly Lajoie has crafted plenty of upbeat dance steps into the show and together she and Harper incorporate the ensemble members seamlessly into the action. Music director Brent C. Mauldin achieves beautiful, lush sounds from both the cast and the impressive twelve-piece band. ...While The Drowsy Chaperone is ultimately zany and full of fluff, it is an exceptionally well-crafted musical with a big heart. If you happen to be feeling blue like Man in Chair is at the start of the show, with an impressive cast, flawless direction, and excellent creative elements, this production will definitely make you laugh a lot and leave with a smile." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
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