Ohio Northern University’s Freed Center for the Performing Arts will present “The Drowsy Chaperone” from April 16-18 at 7:30 p.m. There also will be two matinee performances on April 18 and 19 at 2 p.m.
“The Drowsy Chaperone” is a parody of American musical comedy of the 1920s that focuses on a middle-aged musical theatre fan who puts on his favorite record, the cast recording of “The Drowsy Chaperone,” and suddenly the show comes to life onstage. He provides a commentary on the music, story and the actors. “The Drowsy Chaperone” debuted in 1998 and opened on Broadway in May 2006. The show was nominated for multiple Broadway (2006) and won five Tonys.
The play is under the direction of Mark Allen Davis, assistant professor of theatre at ONU. Davis also is serving as choreographer of the performance. Travis Jürgens, a winner of the American Prize in Orchestral Conducting, will serve as music director.
The cast
The cast includes Chase Zimmerman (Man in Chair), a senior computer science major from Marysville, Ohio: Madeleine Gish (Mrs. Tottendale), a sophomore musical theatre and communications major from Evansville, Ind.;
Evan LaChance (Underling), a senior musical theatre major from Dayton, Ohio; Brady Miller (Robert), a senior musical theatre and public relations double major from Findlay, Ohio; Garrett Hill (George), a junior musical theatre major from Ridgeway, Ohio; Isaac Steinhour (Feldzieg and Props Master), a senior musical theatre, international theatre production, and French major from Findlay, Ohio.
Talia Heskett (Kitty), a freshman musical theatre major from Woodland Hills, Calif.; Riley Alexander (Gangster), a freshman musical theatre major from Ottawa, Ohio; David James Grant (Gangster), a junior musical theatre major from Medina, Ohio; Trevor Dorner (Aldolpho), a senior musical theatre major from Perrysburg, Ohio.
Jennifer Barnaba (Janet), a senior musical theatre and music major from Bellbrook, Ohio; Kayla Burress (The Drowsy Chaperone), a senior musical theatre major from Cincinnati, Ohio; and Sybil Anast (Trix), a freshman musical theatre and communications major from Findlay, Ohio.
Ticket information
Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors. Tickets are $10 for ONU faculty and staff and $5 for ONU students. The Freed Center box office is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Phone orders are accepted with American Express, MasterCard, VISA or Discover by calling 419-772-1900. Tickets also are available online at www.freedcenter.com.