Theater Review

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Andrea Chamberlaine (center) and cast of The Drowsy Chaperone. Photos by Joan Marcus

‘Drowsy Chaperone’ gets wake-up call

By Juliet Schoen / Special to The Malibu Times

“The Drowsy Chape-rone” is back at the Ahmanson Theater and it is just as ditsy and enjoyable as ever. After opening here several years ago, the musical moved onto Broadway and garnered five Tony awards. There have been cast changes and a more deft hand at the directing but the good stuff is still there.

In “Chaperone,” a young man, played by Jonathan Crombie, explains directly to the audience his preference for the simple shows of the twenties. He is especially fond of “The Drowsy Chaperone,” which, he claims, played in the good old days. Still addressing the audience, he puts on a record and the “old” musical is resurrected on stage. Actually, the proceedings are a brand new spoof .

The plot line is simplicity itself, with the Broadway star wishing to marry and retire, and the producer trying to stop her. The chaperone of the title must keep her away from the bridegroom for good luck.

Andrea Chamberlain has the daunting role of the star/bride and has one of the best numbers ever to be performed. Singing “I Don’t Want to Show Off,” she goes through all the tricks associated with the stage, from twirling hoops and escaping from a straight jacket, to doing a split. Miss Chamberlain comes through in style.

There are other smashing musical numbers, notably “As We Stumble Along,” sung by chaperone Nancy Opel, “I Am Adolpho,” performed by the hamming gigolo James Moye and “An Accident Waiting to Happen,” by bridegroom Mark Ledbetter on skates. There is a number called “Toledo Surprise,” and the entire production is one tasty surprise after another.

Georgia Engel of the chirpy voice plays Mrs. Tottendale, whose butler, called Underling, is played by Robert Dorfman. A pair of gangsters act in complete unison, and no wonder: They are played by Paul Riopelle and Peter Riopelle, probably twins. Others contributing mightily are Richard Vida, Cliff Bemis, Marla Mindelle, Fran Jaye and Chuck Rea.

The clever set moves effortlessly from the shabby apartment of the narrator to the fantastical backdrops of the pseudo-musical. David Gallo deserves praise for his imaginative work. Even more creative are the costumes by Gregg Barnes, ostensibly from the ’20s but very modern looking.

The excellent music and lyrics are credited to Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison while the book was thought up by Bob Martin and Don McKellar. Casey Nicholaw is responsible for the directing, the choreography and the introduction of many new laugh evokers.

The show may have an off-putting title, but don’t let it fool you. This is entertainment of a high level.