MUSCATINE, Iowa–With big bold characters, over the top dance numbers, and humorous albeit contrived plots, early musical theatre has a lot for audiences to enjoy, and to poke fun at. “The Drowsy Chaperone” embraces all of these aspects in a larger than life comedic tribute to the foundations of musical theatre. April 20 through 22, Muscatine High School’s theatre department will perform “The Drowsy Chaperone,” and they invite the community to join them for this musical celebration.
10 years ago, Muscatine High School Drama Director Rene Mauck did a production of “The Drowsy Chaperone.” A great experience for both Mauck and the student actors, she looked for the opportunity to bring it back. As she considered options for this year’s musical, she believed the time had come. “I was thinking, this year we have the right group of kids,” she shared. “One of the most fun things about this show is doing it again 10 years later and seeing how these kids find something new about it.”
A frame story, “The Drowsy Chaperone” centers around a musical lover playing records of his favorite show. As he provides commentary on the musical, it comes to life in his New York apartment, with an indebted theatrical producer scrambling to keep his star performer from leaving the business to marry a wealthy man. Hilarity ensues as the characters experience cases of mistaken identity, unlikely coincidences, and enormous song and dance numbers. “It makes fun of how the genre started with such broad characters and stereotypes from the Vaudeville houses,” explained Mauck.
Though emotionally lighter than some musicals Mauck has chosen in the past, students still had their work cut out for them perfecting their comedic timing, filling the enormous personalities of their characters, and bringing life and energy to the ensemble numbers. Throughout the rehearsal process, Mauck has loved seeing the students come into their own. “These kids have really grown into their ability to do comedy,” she beamed.
Muscatine High School students rehearsing the song “Toledo Surprise” in their spring musical “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Photo by Margaret Hurlbert.
The students have enjoyed the process as well. Rachel Kurz, a sophomore playing Kitty, a bumbling young starlet trying to replace current leading lady Janet Van De Graff, has valued the chance to continue her high school theatre career, after having roles in “Newsies” and “The Play That Goes Wrong.” “I’ve just always liked theatre,” she said. In particular, Rachel has liked, “building new friendships,” with her fellow actors as well as acting in such a silly comedy, “it’s very humorous and I think it’s very funny,” she added.
For seniors Gabe Salazar, playing the beleaguered producer Feldzieg, and Parker Ellsworth, playing the notorious ladies man Aldolpho, the show gives them one more chance to get on stage before graduating and continuing their theatre careers at the college level. “It’s the same thing I get with any theatre production at MHS, said Gabe, a seven show veteran. “It’s a welcoming place where you get to express yourself and meet people you wouldn’t pass in the hall and be yourself, even while you’re playing someone else.”
“We have a great department and a great family,” added Parker, who has performed in all of the plays and musical Muscatine High School has put on during his four years of high school.
“The Drowsy Chaperone” will have performances at 7p.m. April 20 and 21 and both 2 and 7 p.m. April 22. Tickets cost $9 online and $12 at the door.
