If you crave zany comedy and sweet show tunes, you’ll be tempted by “The Drowsy Chaperone” the lighter-than-air theatrical confection now in performance at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre.
The premise of the show is built around The Man in the Chair, a chatty, somewhat snobbish divorced individual, who shares with the audience his musical passion for a vintage show record—the characters of which then come to roaring life. (I found this a fun premise, and something to keep in mind as we anticipate Record Store Day coming up April 18. What record would you like to see come to life?)
Besides couch potato lead David Schmittou, the majority of the cast members move, groove and tap-dances through numerous songs, dances and pratfalls built around the impending Jazz Age nuptials of a starlet (Laura Douciere) and oil tycoon (Timonty Ford); and other characters including gangsters who bake (Craig Underwood and Sam McKanney); Kitty the aspiring actress (Deb Wims); narcissist Italian stud Adolpho (Alan Wager); and of course, the drowsy chaperone (Victoria Weinberg).
This lively ensemble cast is tasked with executing some high-energy choreography and snappy banter, all of which they carry off with flair and espirit de corps.
You’ll enjoy Kendra Lynn Lucas as Trix the Aviatrix. The actress can really belt out a song, and made her debut at the theater at 9301 N. Michigan Road in the Beef & Board Christmas production. “I get the opportunity to work with an extremely talented cast,” said Lucas, in a release. “This show is hilarious and I’ve enjoyed every part of the process.”The Columbus, Ohio native previously performed at Cedar Point in Sandusky and was educated at Fort Hayes School for Performing Arts and Wright State University.
“The Drowsy Chaperone” musical opened on Broadway back in 2006 and enjoyed a 700 performance run. You could do far worse this weekend than choose to let this record play, chaperone snooze and enjoy dinner and the show at Beef & Boards.
For more information, call (317) 872-9664 or visit beefandboards.com.
