On a sunny Wednesday, I make my way to the Glebe Community Centre to catch GNAG Theatre’s presentation of The Drowsy Chaperone. Armed with bouquets, community members and friends of friends gather together in the grand hall before the show. We’re treated to an irresistible and unabashed comedic musical.
Most of the tale is shared in the living room of a troubled yet charming narrator who yearns for the theatre of old and is disenchanted with modern musicals. To prove her point, she whips out a timeless classic—the record of the fictitious play, The Drowsy Chaperone set in 1928.
Cast of The Drowsy Chaperone. Photo provided.
Her narration of the play is then brought to life by the wonderful actors at the GNAG, effectively pulling the audience into this meta-retelling. The narrator, originally played by a man, also regularly interjects with quips about Broadway history, politics and personal opinions. The plot follows a dopey man who wants to marry a glamorous showgirl with the help of his best man and the bride’s chaperone. Some characters support the wedding and some are against it, like the showgirl’s greedy producer and the gangsters threatening him.
Even with a simple script, comedic timing can be hard to master. But the GNAG Theatre crew has no issues, especially the groom, bride and the infamous drowsy chaperone. The latter is supposed to keep the bride and groom away from each other on their big day but she’s too drowsy—prohibition speaks for “drunk”—to be bothered. The groom and bride are the perfect naive sweethearts and deliver many great moments, especially the number, “Accident Waiting to Happen.’.
The Drowsy Chaperone. Photo provided.
The choral arrangement is to die for, especially in scenes with large groups of characters. Children of the community are incorporated throughout the play and shine in their group scenes and songs. Costuming also shines with the help of clothing donations from the 1920s, the period in which the play is set. Kitty and Aldolfo, the most clueless side characters, also emerge as impressive underdogs through their line delivery and on-point mannerisms. Overall, this is a well-oiled crew with each character utilized to the fullest.
On paper, the play is a quintessential comedy with unbelievable characters and happenings. However, the cast of GNAG Theatre was able to revive the deeper messaging and present a piece that questions the notion of perfection in life and reveals how musicals give us something akin to that.
The Drowsy Chaperone played at the Glebe Community Centre from April 9–14.
