‘Drowsy Chaperone’ musical presents a ‘show within a show’

WASHINGTON — An upcoming show at the Washington Community Theater offers a musical, as it’s remembered by a character, as he’s portrayed by a local actor.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” has several layers to its performance, according to musical Director and Conductor Don Hughes.

“He sort of imagines the whole production in his head,” Hughes said of the show’s narrator, whose character is unnamed and known only in the script as a man in a chair. “As he’s playing this record, the whole thing is recreated in his apartment, so we have actors entering through his refrigerator and his coat closet, a couple of pastry chefs come tumbling out of his stove.”

That man in the chair offers commentary throughout the performance, weighing in on the musical about a generic dramatic wedding plot snarky comments and pot shots at the history of musical theater, as well as the unusual line of characters with a mix of absurd backstories

Hughes said the narration offered insight about the actors from the (fictional) original recording, making for complex character portrayals to the (real) audience, despite a relatively simple plot.

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“It’s quite a number of layers going on at the same time. We had to figure out where we had the character quirks of the actors within the show,” Hughes said. “There’s a lot of times where the scene will freeze as (the narrator is) discussing stuff … it was fun developing the characters within the characters.”

The show has a short run time — under two hours with no intermission, according to Hughes — and producers warn it’s “rated PG-13,” unlike more family friendly musicals in Washington over the last several years.

The show runs June 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m., and June 22 and 29 at 2:30 p.m., according to the Washington Community Theater’s website, where those interested can buy tickets in advance.

Performers had around six weeks to rehearse ahead of opening night, according to Hughes, less than the usual eight preferred for the local theater’s musicals. Despite the rush, Hughes said the show had shaped up nicely with a single set piece and talented performers.

“Everything’s been coming together fairly quickly, the cast is on top of things, I’ve got a great crew, we just added lights last night, costumes look awesome,” the director said. “It really has gone pretty easily … and it’s fun, it’s a good time.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com