Review - The Drowsy Chaperone - 3/11/07

The Drowsy Chaperone

Marquis Theatre

Sunday March 11, 2007 – 3:00 pm

Preface: Going into this performance, I only knew basic facts about the show. I had bought the Cast Recording but had only actually listened to a few songs. Along those lines, I also was not very educated in the actors either. Obviously I have heard the names before but have not researched their careers. Of course I had the show on my list of “too see” because a lot of people I trust enjoyed it. When I got the offer for tickets on Bob Martin’s last day, I couldn’t pass it up.

Second Preface: I ended up being very sick during this performance, coming down with a bad case of food poisoning after the show. Therefore, my attention was not quite with the show the entire time. So if I missed something or didn’t “get” something, I apologize in advance, my mind was elsewhere. Having said all of that, let’s continue.

The entire basis of the show interested me. As “cliché” as it sounds there is not a lot of originality on broadway right now. I’m not complaining, but mostly everything is a revival, based of a major movie, etc. So it was really interesting to see some new breath. I’m always interested in movies or books that are about being in the actual movie or book. So this was naturally up my alley. However, it didn’t quite live up to my personal hype.

Set & Costumes:

I loved the simplicity of the set and the fact that they used every inch of it in some way or another. Not much to say about the costumes, but they fit the time period. Man in Chair did really remind me of a creepy Mr. Rodgers though!

Cast

Bob Martin – Man in Chair – The one thing I do agree with everyone on is that Bob is that role. I know he created the entire idea, but it was just him. He is that “strange” uncle everyone has but doesn’t like to talk about! He played the character very enthusiastically and heart felt. What I may have felt was lacking in the plot was made up for in his performance. I have never seen a performance when an actor was leaving, but I have heard stories and seen pictures. Bob not having the second curtain call or big speech, kind o f made me respect him more. Even I knew the kiss on Troy wasn’t planned and was hilarious. I don’t like to type cast, but I don’t know if I can see him in another role!

Georgia Engel – Mrs. Tottendale – Ok, so I was a little bit of a fan girl knowing I was going to see Mrs. McDougal from Raymond. I still didn’t really see the total point of her and Undeling’s role, but I guess that was part of the story, but she did well with what she had. But was it me or was it very hard to hear her? I know part of her charm is her how soft spoken she is but I would think they could’ve raised her mic levels a bit.

Peter Bartlett – Underling - Same as above, he did a good job with what he had to do.

Troy Britton Johnson – Robert Martin – Hello Nurse! He was the epitome of the early 20’s chiseled just perfectly handsome man, but he can sing AND dance too! I don’t know why I have this soft spot for tap dancing. I know nothing about it but it has always fascinated me. So it was wonderful to see that great tap scene between Robert & George. He was also very cute with Sutton.

Eddie Korbich – George – As said above, he is a fabulous tap dancer. He strangely reminds me of one of my fiancée’s best men and I don’t know if that was a positive or negative!

Danny Burstein – Aldolpho – His character is still making me shake my head in confusion, but he pulled it off perfectly. Every time I need to respond to a question with “what” I have this desire to say it like Aldolpho! He and Beth had great chemistry!

Sutton Foster – Janet Van De Graaff – Ok, shoot me if you must, but I don’t see the big deal. Yes, she has a beautiful voice and was adorably naïve in her role, but I don’t know. With how much I hear people talk about her, I was expecting a bit more. I would rather stick the her Chess Benefit performance. She did look absolutely stunning at the end in the white lingerie costume.

Beth Leavel – The Drowsy Chaperone – If I had to pick, she was my favorite from the cast. What a beautiful voice. She also captured the absurdity of the roles perfectly. I was amused when she almost lost it during Bob’s “Happy Birthday to Ewe”.

All other roles were very cute and well done, but nothing to particularly comment on.

I guess I just missed something somewhere in the story line. I definitely will want to re visit one day in the future when I can actually focus on the entire show. I did enjoy the black out scenes and a lot of the staging. The entire show was very light and upbeat, which is sometimes just what you need, pure entertainment without too much thought.