The Drowsy Chaperone pays homage to American musicals
For the City Times
STEVENS POINT – Central Wisconsin Area Community Theater will give a nod to the “Roaring 20s” in their upcoming fall production “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
When an introverted man seeks to end his rut by listening to a rare 1928 recording of The Drowsy Chaperone, he brings the titled comedic musical to life right before his very eyes.
The plot centers on famous actress Janet Van de Graff, and her efforts to give up her career to marry oil tycoon Robert Martin. However, a lot of money is riding on Janet’s continued career, primarily the popular show “Feldzieg’s Follies”. After being threatened by two gangsters, the producer of the show – Mr. Feldzieg – plots to end the wedding to save not just the show, but his own life.
Director Amy Schwaab saw The Drowsy Chaperone when it opened on Broadway in 2006. “It was so different from any other show I had seen. How it opens one way and then forces a paradigm shift,” she said.
Schwaab directed her first show in 1993 and has over 20 shows under her watch. For her, Drowsy bring out what she loves best about musicals.
“It has all the things I love about musicals. It’s, colorful, light-hearted and has a happy ending, but it also has a deeper story about a man and his relationship with musical theater.” said Schwaab.
Plover resident Amber Fait is cast as Jane Roberts, who plays Janet Van de Graaf. According to Fait, playing an actress who plays a character brings multiple layers to her role.
“There are layers there that make the character more complex. Janet is adored by millions of fans yet has decided to throw it away to marry the love of her life. It’s hard to imagine the internal conflict she’s faced with when all she’s ever really known has been living this glamorous life,” Fait said.
This is Fait’s first lead role in a musical, and she plans to make the best of it.
“Janet is very coy and seemingly demure, yet she is one of the liveliest characters I’ve ever played,” said Fait. “This is my first lead role in a musical and I’m so honored to get the opportunity to bring Janet to life and to ‘Show Off’ a little on stage.”
The Drowsy Chaperone shows Oct. 25-27 and Nov. 1-2 at the Sentry Theater, 1800 Northpoint Dr., Stevens Point. Show time is at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. For tickets, visit http://showtix4u.com and search for ‘Stevens Point.’