'Drowsy Chaperone' musical opening on Playhouse stage

Love-struck groom Brad Sandy (left) and his bride-to-be (Meghan Armitage) prepare to kiss as The Man in the Chair (Jack Randall Earles) whets his lips in anticipation in a scene from the Putnam County Playhouse musical comedy "The Drowsy Chaperone." The play opens Thursday night and runs through Saturday at the Hazel Day Longden Theatre with a return engagement Aug. 14-17.

The 52nd season of Putnam County Playhouse continues with the musical "The Drowsy Chaperone." It will be staged this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 8-10 and again Aug. 14-17.

All performances begin at 8 p.m. in the Hazel Day Longden Barn Theatre in Greencastle. All seats are reserved and priced at $10.

Tickets can be reserved by calling the box office at 653-5880 during its regular hours of 5-7 p.m.

"The Drowsy Chaperone" book is by Bob Martin and Don McKellar with music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison. Nominated for 13 Tony Awards in 2006, it won five.

This production is being directed by Shelly McFadden. Vocal director is Ric McFadden (who also appears in the show briefly). Marilyn Burdsall is music director and pianist for the show.

The band includes Michael McClaine, percussion; Drew Brattain, bass; and Geoff Price, keyboards. Choreography is by Deb Grammel.

At the top of the show, The Man in the Chair (Jack Randall Earles) tells us about his favorite musical, the 1928 production of "The Drowsy Chaperone." As he plays the record, the musical comes to life in his living room.

Characters in the show include the bride-to-be Janet (Meghan Armitage) and her love-struck groom Robert (Brad Sandy). Handed the task of keeping them apart until the wedding are the best man George (Cameron Callan) and the Drowsy Chaperone (Julia Kapke).

The wedding is to be held at the estate of the wealthy Mrs. Tottendale (Tammy Hunter) who is having trouble with her butler, Underling (Lee Reberger).

Other guests include a Broadway producer, Mr. Feldzig (David Roberts); his girlfriend, Kitty (Sarah Bond); and the King of Romance, Aldolpho (TJ Tincher).

The proceedings are further interrupted by a pair of Broadway gangsters (Troy Pierce and Dustin Bond) and a high-flying aviatrix (Ashlee Vitz).

The ensemble includes Jacob Peterman, Chris Wurster, Abby Cheek, Hannah Brattain, Lori Briones and Joe Lippard.

Scenic designer is Linda Gjesvold. Technical design is by Bryan Kent. Costumer is Diana Van Middlesworth with new costume construction by Pat Armitage.

Brenda McClaine is running the light board, and the sound board is being controlled by Craig Armitage. Vitz is the production stage manager and assistant director. She is being assisted by Jessica Masner on the stage crew. Elijah Brattain and Ciara Lippard are the spotlight operators.

"The Drowsy Chaperone" is being sponsored by First National Bank and Shuee's Furniture and Mattress.