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A evening of madcap comedy and live music is in store as Korda Artistic Productions stages the Tony Award-winning Canadian musical The Drowsy Chaperone.
Performances open Friday (April 5) in this send-up of the Golden Age musical, which features show-stopping song and dance numbers set as a recording of a fictitious 1928 musical.
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The show begins with a diehard theatre fan playing his favourite record.
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The characters, including two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a misguided Don Juan, an intoxicated chaperone and two gangsters masquerading as pastry chefs, make for an evening of madcap comedy.
The live band, led by Nick Morvay, plays classic tunes like Fancy Dress, Brides Lament and fan favourite Toledo Surprise.
“The Drowsy Chaperone is like this precious gem of a show, and our cast and crew have been working to polish it to perfection over these past few months,” said director David Burrows.
“Maybe it’s because we take special pride in the fact that it is a Canadian musical and has had success across the globe — including Broadway, where it won five Tony Awards.
“Or maybe it’s just that we love these larger-than-life characters, who make us laugh even as we smile in recognition.”
Calling the songs “infectious,” Burrows said “they just make you want to dance.
“Whatever the reason, we hope that audiences love this show as much as we do,” he added.
“As our main character says, ‘It does what a musical is supposed to do: it takes you to another world. And it gives you a little tune to carry with you in your head. What more do you need for an evening’s entertainment?’”
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The cast includes man in the chair played by Eric Miinch, Robert Martin (David Sivak) and Broadway star Janet Van De Graaff (Maria Harman).
Also performing are Mrs. Tottendale (Amy Pinnsoneault); underling (Cavelle Doucet-Lefebvre); Robert’s best man George (Brett Hallick); Broadway producer Feldzieg (Dave Nisbet), ditzy flapper Kitty played by Becca Miinch, two gangsters (Natalie Worsley and Greg Girty); self-proclaimed famed Latin lover Aldolpho (Gianluca Ieraci); Janet’s chaperone (Kristen Siapas) and Trix (Melissa Mcleod), an aviatrix.
Burrows is assisted by Mark Worsley, who also doubles as the superintendent. Choreography is led by Cindy Pattison-Rivard, with assistance from Nathalie Mero.
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Winner of five Tony Awards, including for best book and best original score, The Drowsy Chaperone opens Friday at Kordazone Theatre, 2520 Seminole St.
Performances continue Thursday to Saturday at 8 p.m., through April 20, with an additional performance Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $30 (April 11 is a pay-what-you-can show), available at the door or at eventbrite.ca/e/the-drowsy-chaperone-at-korda-tickets-854022954647?aff=oddtdtcreator.
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