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Hammer Entertainment’s Artistic Director Jason Dick looks pleased as punch these days, and well he should be as the opening night of his latest musical presentation, The Drowsy Chaperone, is almost upon us.
A big hit in New York and London where it won multiple awards, the play is a theatrical in–joke that premiered at the 1998 Toronto Fringe Festival where it was picked up by the Mirvishes; they developed it into the mega_hit that it ultimately became.
According to Jason, “The play is a comedic homage to musical theatre of the 1920s as seen through the eyes of the iconic ‘man in the chair’ – here played for us by Scott Bloxom. Musicals are everything to this guy so he stays at home listening to his favorite scores over and over again.”
Jason Dick is directing, with choreography by Lori Dawson and musical direction by Erin Noble. The cast includes several local theater stalwarts, including Shari Vandermolen, Gail Edwards, Chris Vergara, Dean Rooney and Mark Carrera.
“The play takes place in this guy’s apartment as he shares his favorite show – The Drowsy Chaperone – with the audience. As he describes the show for us, the play begins to happen all around him.”
The most memorable character is just called “The Man in the Chair”. He narrates and comments on the show as it all comes to life before our eyes. He Explains who is who and comments upon and questions the stereotypes of the era.
“Since it is a musical, there are some really cool numbers including several that feature dance prominently. We even have a tap number in this one, and so three of our cast had to learn to tap from scratch – no small feat.”
The cast of 18 includes three dancers. “The big number is ‘Toledo Surprise’ where 16 dancers completely fill a 16 by 20 foot stage. It will be something to see them pull it off; it is cool to prove that there are local dancers around who can handle this level of choreography”.
Hammer’s version is the first local staging of the show, which premiered at the Toronto Fringe ten years back, before ending up on Broadway where it won several Tony awards. The show itself is the classic rags to riches story.
“I am really pleased that every show in our season this year is a local premiere. For us it has been about finding our niche in the community. After four years there is now a core audience that comes out to support us; with every show that audience gets bigger and bigger which is just perfect.”
Even though it is a really big hit show, most average folks will likely never have heard of The Drowsy Chaperone, which is a shame since it really is a fun production. There is this sad truth that says that it is only when a Canadian show becomes popular outside of Canada is it embraced at home.
“When else will a show like this get to have a run in Hamilton. Other then a few touring shows through Hamilton Place, our theatre is the only place that you are likely to see newer musicals like this one. I really hope that folks will take a chance on this one, because it really is a marvelous show”
Check it out, Hamilton: The Drowsy Chaperone is playing over the next two weeks at the Westside Theatre on King Street West. V
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
with book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar and music and lyrics by
Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Hammer Entertainment at the
Westside Concert Theatre
To October 23
Tickets: 905-777-9777 or
www.hammerentertainment.ca
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