The Drowsy Chaperone presented by UON MUSOS at the Civic Theatre Playhouse Newcastle “does what it’s supposed to do and takes you to another world.” The entertaining musical satire was Directed by Louise Barcan and the Production Manager/Music Director was Dean Selem.
The Drowsy Chaperone is set in 1928 and is a parody of 1920s musical theatre. It has a completely nonsensical plot filled with oodles of drama and slapstick comedy. The opening night audience lapped up every comedic line and gave accolades of warm appreciation.
The Choreography by Lilly Grant was perfectly on theme, with great inclusion of famous 1920s dance moves, including the energetic Charleston and plenty of jazzy hands.
To my great delight there was 1920s inspired tap dancing choreography for the musical number “Cold Feets”, which starred Joshua Davies who played ‘the groom to hopefully be,’ Robert Martin. He delighted the audience with his enthusiastic and vivacious tap dancing, as well as his highly entertaining blindfolded roller-blading.
The lighting throughout the performance was timed meticulously and showed great creativity by Michael Conry. It was melodramatic in itself mirroring elements in the musical. The lighting provided cohesion to the plot utilising simple effective techniques for full and elaborate lighting on the ‘imagined musical parts’ and then centring spotlights on Eamon Mahon who performed marvellously as ‘The Man In The Chair.’
Eamon’s acting was absolutely astounding and unwavering throughout, he performed with the greatest of sincerity and pure honesty to his character. His steadfast natural presence and dry comedic responses elevated and unified the entire show.
Vocal director (Rachael Sebastian) produced wonderful harmonies with the ensemble and gave great direction to the lead vocalists as well. A particularly commendable job on the final number “I Do I Do In The Sky,” with a special mention to Trinity Young for her strong melodic vocals.
The leading lady character Janet Van De Graff was delightfully portrayed by Shanaya Budden who rocked the stage with her sultry tunes and dance performances throughout the entire show. I especially loved her vocal performance in “Bride’s Lament.”
Olivia Leathley danced and sang with great finesse as the “Laissez faire” Drowsy Chaperone character. She gave a very enjoyable and admirable performance and portrayed great comedic acting skills. Olivia’s romantic scenes with Aldolpho were definitely some of the highlights of the production. Raphael Teixeira displayed an absolutely hilarious rendition of his zany, romantic character Aldolpho. Raphael showed wonderful comedic acting skills and vocal delivery in his solo number “I Am Aldolpho.”
The quote from the musical “I just want to be entertained, and that’s the point, isn’t it?” is perfectly fitting for The Drowsy Chaperone musical. The abundance of adult humour and witty one-liners, combined with all the flair of the 1920s, ensure an enjoyable evening for all theatre goers.
To book tickets to The Drowsy Chaperone , please visit https://tickets.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/WEBPAGES/EntaWebShow/ShowPerformance.aspx.
