"The Drowsy Chaperone" presented by the Granbury Theatre Company

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
play program

The Travelling Toe and several compadres travelled to Granbury to see the Sunday matinee performance of "The Drowsy Chaperone"  presented by the Granbury Theatre Company. The play was performed in the recently renovated historic Granbury Opera House. This facility is a wonderful venue to stage a play or other event.  The staff are very friendly and the atmosphere is welcoming and enjoyable.

With the name of the play being "The Drowsy Chaperone" it would lead one to think that this is an old play, However this musical comedy actually debuted in 1998.   It made it to Broadway in 2006 and won 5 Tony awards.  The play was written Bob Martin and Don McKellar and the music and lyrics were by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison. It is a take-off of the 1920's 
gee-whiz musicals that were so popular at the time.

The play begins with a man only known as "Man in Chair" coming on stage and beginning to have a conversation with the audience.  He talks about his love of the theater and most especially the 1928 musical "The Drowsy Chaperone".  He takes the LP out of it's cover and puts on the first record of the play.  As the music starts, the curtains open and the play comes to life. Man in Chair begins singing and mimicking along with the cast all through the show.  

The play centers on the wedding day of oil tycoon Robert Martin to Broadway star
Janet Van De Graaf.  She plans to give up her career to be Robert's wife.  But her Broadway producer, Feldzieg, is hoping to talk her out of the marriage and come back to show business.  In fact 2 gangsters posing as pastry chefs are there to ensure he does just that. Coming along with Feldzieg is Kitty who keeps trying to make him see her as the next big talent to take over Janet's roles. But her talents are sadly lacking in so many ways.  The hostess for the wedding is Mrs. Tottendale, who is just a couple of bricks short of a load, assisted by her butler Underling.  Lest we forget, there is the Chaperon hired by Robert to ensure that Janet and Robert are kept apart on their wedding day.  The drowsy part comes in when the Chaperone has had a little bit too much to drink. Robert's best man is George and he is there to support his friend.  Then there is Aldolpho, an opera singer, who was hired to sing at the wedding. And last but not least is Trix the aviatrix.  

Since this is a comedy, there are lots of silly, funny plot lines along the way.  One such incident is when Aldolpho, egged on by Feldzieg, makes a play for Janet but confuses her with the Chaperon. Can you guess what happens?  Well it is G-rated! The 2 pastry chefs keep the pressure on Feldzieg to break up the wedding and have a very funny bit using pastry and food puns for their threats.

So how does it all end?  

Do Janet and Robert get married after all?
Will The Drowsy Chaperon and Aldolpho find happiness with each other?
Does Feldzieg finally recognize Kitty's talents?
And does Mrs. Tottendale and Underling come to a new understanding about their true relationship?

Well, Dear Readers, this was in 1928 after all and back then it was all about happy endings wasn't it?

The acting and singing and dancing were all enjoyable.  The stage setting was inventive and the costumes were just spot on for the 20's. Mission accomplished by cast and crew as it was a delightful afternoon at the theater.

The Travelling Toe does recommend venturing to Granbury to see a play or other event staged at the Granbury Opera House.   You will be happy to have made the short journey there.

Tally-ho!