NEW IBERIA, La. --- The Iberia Performing Arts League presents The Drowsy Chaperone, the hilarious award-winning musical comedy, March 6-22 at the Essanee Theater at 126 Iberia St., New Iberia.

Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available at Delaune's Pharmacy, Paul's Flower Shop, Accentrics, or by calling the theater at (337) 364-6114. For additional information you may call the theater or e-mail [email protected]. The play is rated PG-13.

The Drowsy Chaperone is a new musical that opened on Broadway in 2006, winning the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, and many others as well as a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical.  

It begins with a present-day musical theatre fanatic eager to tell the audience about his favorite Broadway musical - a 1920s romp called The Drowsy Chaperone. As he begins listening to the rare cast recording, the uproariously funny musical magically bursts to life in his apartment, telling the hilarious tale of a pampered Broadway starlet and her debonair fiance, an overzealous producer, a dizzy chorine, the Latin lover, a couple of bumbling gangsters, and of course one rather intoxicated chaperone. Ruses are played. Hi-jinks occur. And the plot spins everyone into musical comedy euphoria. 

"The Drowsy Chaperone is the funniest musical you will see," said Travis Guillory, director. "Along with the lavish sets, masterful orchestra, and top-notch cast, this show will have your toes tapping and your sides splitting from laughter. If you enjoy big band jazz, huge dance numbers, colorful sets and costumes, and zany comedy, get your tickets now!"

This performance is supported, in part, by a grant from the Louisiana State Arts Council, through the Louisiana Divisions of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding has also been provided through the Acadiana Center for the Arts and Iberia Bank.  

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