If you've ever sat in a dark theater and thought "Dear Lord in Heaven, please let this show be good'"  THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is the show for you.

Described as a rare combination of unprecedented originality and creativity, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE boldly addresses a desire in all our hearts; to be entertained. The show pays tribute to the Jazz-age Broadway musicals of the 1920's and the power those shows held to transport us into a dazzling fantasy and to lift our spirits in times of sadness.

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE  begins when a die hard theater fan (Man in Chair) plays his favorite cast album on a turntable and the musical literally burst to life in his apartment, telling the rambunctious tale of a brazen Broadway starlet trying to find, and keep, her true love. The tongue planted firmly in cheek and asides to the audience, we are off on a breathless ride filled with humor, music and, yes, even a message or two.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is truly an ensemble show, with all primary characters sharing time on stage. Each role has featured scenes in addition to vocal solos, duets and large ensemble production numbers. With the exception of leading man "Man In Chair" all characters are identified as real life actors taking on roles in the musical within a comedy. Caricatures, stereotypes and over-the-top acting is welcome and encouraged.

MAN IN CHAIR - Musical theater aficionado and the narrator of the story. The nameless "man in chair" is a high profile role that seldom leaves the stage while telling not only the plot of our musical, but much of his life story at the same time. He has long  monologues and interacts about and around, but seldom with the other performers on stage.

ROBERT MARTIN - The dashing, ever-cheerful groom, played by matinee idol Percy Hyman. Robert does have a tap dance duet in the first act and does a duet while blindfolded and wearing roller skates! Tenor ( C3-Db5)

JANET VAN DE GRAAF - The famous bride, played by rising movie starlet Jane Roberts. Janet is a triple threat. She sings, dances and flirts! In "Show Off" Janet juggles, does flips, twirls plates and is even a ventriloquist. Any special talents? Bring them along! Alto (G3 - Eb)

ALDOLFO - Stereotypic European self proclaimed "ladies man" played by silent screen star Roman Bartelli. An over-the-top ham in the truest sense. Bass-Baritone with a great falsetto (A#4 - G2)

FELDZIEG - Blustering Broadway producer, played by husband of Vaudeville song and wife duo Jack and Sadie Adler. Baritone (Db3 - Gb4)

KITTY - Feldzieg's dim-witted companion, played by real life wife Sadie Adler. A George Burns/Gracie Allen character, if Gracie were truly clueless. Soprano ( Bb3 - F5)

GEORGE - Robert's anxious best man and former vaudeville song and dance man. George has a major, but not mandatory, tap solo in the first act, so if you have tap skills or desire, bring them to auditions! Tenor (f3 - Bb4)

MRS. TOTTENDALE - The air-headed socialite host of the wedding, played by Vaudeville has been Ukulele Lil. yes, ukulele playing will be taught!  Alto (G3 - Db5)

UNDERLING - Mrs. Tottendale's savvy butler. Beware, Underling & Mrs. Tottendale have a long running spit/take scene in the show ( yes - spit/take!) Tenor (Ab2 - G4)

GANGSTERS - Posing as pastry chefs, hitmen intending to collect from Feldzieg are played by the vaudeville comic due of The Long Brothers. Tenors ( Db3 - Bb4)

TRIX - The brave and brash aviatrix. Trix is an unusual role, appearing in only the first scene and the last 2 scenes of the show, so if you are looking for a featured role with great solos and minimal rehearsal time, this part is for you! Alto (Ab3 - Eb5)

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE - Janet's alcoholic confidante, played by well-established but somewhat over the top stage actress Beatrice Stockwell. Alto ( F3  D5)

ENSEMBLE - reporters, aviators, butlers and maids, wedding guests, etc. We will be casting between 6 and 12 ensemble members that can sing, dance and are willing to be creative and actively involved in many scenes, songs and production numbers. 

AUDITIONS

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is filled with character songs ("Cold Feets,"  "I Am Adolpho"), production numbers ("As We Stumble Along," " Toledo Surprise") and comic tunes ("Love is Always Lovely in the End," "Fancy Dress). Light and bubbly is the word, and light and bubbly would be a great choice for an audition song. Feel free to prepare up to 32 bars of a tune that shows off your best singing ability. Songs from the show are welcome. Feel free to "Show Off!"

Dance is also a primary part of the show, with all cast members involved in the production numbers ("I Do I Do In The Sky," "Toledo Surprise," etc.) so dress comfortably and be prepared to move. Robert Martin and George have a tap dance number that is not required but would certainly be fun. If you can tap, or are willing to learn, we will be happy to work with you at auditions. "Show Off" is also a tour de force for Janet, so feel free to amaze us with your special talent; gymnastics, juggling, musical talents, etc. Please dress comfortably and come early enough to give yourself time to learn some basic dance steps.

Minimum age for auditions is 16 years old. The major character roles are all adults with no specific age required. Rehearsals will be held from 6:30 - 9:00 Monday thru Friday and will begin late May.

Any questions? Please feel free to contact Director Bob Williams at 309-787-1692 or by email at robt.williams@hotmail.com. The directing staff looks forward to seeing you at auditions and bringing THE DROWSY CHAPERONE to life on the Music Guild stage in July.