The Drowsy Chaperone: A Show Within-A-Show and A Musical Inside A Comedy!

I saw The Drowsy Chaperone for the first time on Sunday.  After watching High School Musical JR and Cinderella, I was pleasantly caught off guard by the adult humor.  But before I say anymore, here’s a quick synopsis, in case you’re new to this musical as well:

A Broadway fanatic, who narrates much of the story from his chair, listens to a recording of a fictional 1928 musical comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone.   While listening to the record from his chair in his apartment, the characters from the musical appear and his apartment is now the set of a Broadway musical. 

Essentially, The Drowsy Chaperone is a show-within-a-show, that centers on Janet Van De Graaff, a showgirl who plans to give up her career in order to marry an oil tycoon, Robert Martin.  Janet’s "Drowsy" (i.e. "Tipsy") Chaperone, is charged with keeping Janet away from Robert, as the soon-to-be bride and groom shouldn’t see each other before the wedding.

Watching from his armchair, the super musical fan inserts his personal footnotes and facts about musical performances and actors, transporting the audience back and forth between reality and musical with the actors.  As the show goes on, he reveals more of his personal life. 

As usual, the Mainstage cast performed melodious songs with jovial dance choreography, from splits, to cartwheels and even dancing on roller skates!  It was equally musically-entertaining as it was comical, a show within-a-show and a musical inside a comedy.  

Be sure to catch Frozen JR next!