By Dale M. King
CORAL SPRINGS – The theatrical device of a “play within a play” isn’t new. William Shakespeare used it, and so have other playwrights through the centuries.
But I don’t believe anyone has done it the way creators Lisa Lambert, Greg Morrison, Bob Martin and Don McKellar have done it in “The Drowsy Chaperone,” now playing at the Stage Door Theatre.
It’s both a fantasy and a fantastic production, one presented on two levels. It’s an elegy to the tune-filled stage shows of the 1920s, but also a surprisingly heartfelt tribute to those of us who find solace in a favorite show when life’s troubles take their toll. In this production, that “Everyperson” is portrayed by a character known only as “Man in Chair.”
Actually, without “Man in Chair,” there’d be no show – fantasy or otherwise. For “Man in Chair” creates the fantasy show by plucking an old vinyl record of “The Drowsy Chaperone” and playing it on a phonograph.
Basically, this show has all the clichés of a 1920s production: a Hollywood marriage, a scorned movie producer, gangsters, a Latin lover and, yes, even a drowsy chaperone. But it works so well that the one-hour, 45 minute show – without intermission – flies by like a dream.
Don’t go because of the plot. Go for the acting and singing talent. It’s top notch.
Dan Kelley is wonderful as “Man in Chair.” He glides along as if he were wearing the most comfortable shoes in the world. And his quips with the audience range from risqué to philosophical.
We learn lots more about him as the show goes on, but all we really need to know is that, when afflicted with a “nonspecific sadness,” he heads for his record collection. On this day, he selects his very favorite: “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
Suddenly, his apartment is filled with actors and songs. There’s Janet (Laura Oldham), the bride-to-be who plans to leave her flourishing stage career behind; the oh-so-dashing groom, Robert (Jeffrey Funaro); put-upon wedding planner George (Matthew Alexander) and the title character, Janet’s chaperone (Eileen Faxas).
There’s a bevy of characters too numerous to mention. But one who stands out is Aldolpho (Matt Ban), who doesn’t just enter the stage, he bursts with a grand pronouncement of “I’m Al – DOL- pho” – wink, wink.
There are also great musical numbers – among them, the tap-dancing “Cold Feets,” showstopper “Show Off,” Drowsy’s anthem “As We Stumble Along” and “Toledo Surprise,” which brings the entire company to the floor.
Throughout, we never forget all this is emanating from the mind of our narrator, who frequently interrupts the story to inject commentary.
This show originated in Toronto, where all of its creators are based. It first played the Fringe Festival there in 1999 and has since been produced in the U.S.
“The Drowsy Chaperone” is playing through July 25 at the Stage Door Theatre, 8036 Sample Road, Coral Springs. For tickets, call 954-344-7765.