Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Repertory Theatre is proud to present this year’s musical production, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, “The Drowsy Chaperone” is an endearing parody of the Jazz Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another. Performances of “The Drowsy Chaperone” will take place on Thursday, March 2, Friday, March 3, and Saturday, March 4 at 7:30 pm. There will also be matinée performances on Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5 at 2:00 pm. “The Drowsy Chaperone” will be presented in the Manya Ungar Memorial Auditorium at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School (667 Westfield Road, Scotch Plains, NJ). “The Drowsy Chaperone” is a light-hearted musical comedy that contains some adult humor. Parents are encouraged to use their own judgment based on their child’s age and maturity level.

With the house lights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of the fictitious 1928 musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” The recording comes to life and “The Drowsy Chaperone” begins as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in a bride and groom on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan, and a “drowsy” – i.e., intoxicated – chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight. Hailed by New York Magazine as “The Perfect Broadway Musical,” “The Drowsy Chaperone” is a masterful meta-musical, poking fun at all the tropes that characterize the musical theatre genre.

When asked about the production, director Morgan Knight said, “’The Drowsy Chaperone’ is a loving spoof on musical theater, and a celebration of entertainment itself as an antidote for despair. ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ has something for everyone; anyone who has ever tapped their foot to a favorite song will find something to love in ‘The Drowsy Chaperone.’ Not to mention, it’s side-splittingly funny. This isn’t one to miss!”

“The Drowsy Chaperone” involves over 75 students, including the cast, crew, and live orchestra. The production is under the artful direction and creative supervision of Mr. Morgan Knight (Director), Mrs. Jan Allen (Producer and Music Director), Ms. Courtney Nemec (Producer and Assistant Director), Ms. Kara Drake (Choreographer), Mr. Trey Shore (Pit Orchestra Conductor), Mr. Peter Avagliano (Set Designer), Mr. Evan Perrotta (Technical Director and Crew Supervisor), Ms. Cat Cusick (Lighting Designer), and Mrs. Joanne Sprague (Costume Designer).

Tickets for “The Drowsy Chaperone” are on sale now! They may be purchased in advance online at www.spfhsrep.com and are $18 for adults and $16 for students and seniors. Senior citizens with Gold Cards may contact Tamira Mullarkey via email at [email protected] to make arrangements for discounted tickets. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, but tickets are selling fast, and the shows often sell out.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Repertory Theatre strives to make its performances and facilities enjoyable and accessible to our audiences. Accessible seating is available for those with mobility challenges; contact Tamira Mullarkey at [email protected] to request special seating. Handicap parking spaces are located near Door 1 and are available on a first-come, first-served basis to those displaying official license plates or placards. Based on individual needs, efforts will be made to provide early seating prior to general admission.