WWU theatre to perform ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’

9/12/2011 Mary Ann Beahon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (573) 592-1127

 

The William Woods University Theatre Department will present the musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6, 7 and 8 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 9 in Cutlip Auditorium.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” begins with Man in Chair (played by Jason Cavallone of Chicago, Ill.), an agoraphobic Broadway fanatic, trying to cure his “non-specific sadness” by listening to a recording of a fictional 1928 musical comedy, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” As he listens, the characters appear in his dingy apartment, which is transformed into an impressive Broadway set.
 
The production is a show-within-a-show, featuring Janet Van De Graaff (played by Rachel Petricka of Las Vegas, Nev.), a showgirl who plans to give up her career to marry an oil tycoon, Robert Martin (played by Michael Dodson of St. Louis). The plot incorporates mistaken identities, dream sequences, spit takes and many other laughter-inducing factors.
 
Other WWU student cast members are: Dustin Z. West of Kansas City, Mo., as George; T.J. Green of Brandon, Miss., as Feldzieg; Paige Runge of St. Louis, Mo., as Kitty; Drew Arnett of Columbia, Mo., as Gangster 1; Stephen Chamineak of Hazelwood, Mo., as Gangster 2; Maggie Hunter of Columbia, Mo., as the Drowsy Chaperone; Bailey Campanini of Camdenton, Mo., as Trix/Ensemble; and James Fitzmaurice of Columbia, Mo., as Superintendant/Reporter.  
 
Community players from Fulton, Mo., are Joshua Potter as Aldolpho; Kathy Potter as Mrs. Tottendale; Jody Paschal as Underling; and Jason Knowles as an ensemble member.
 
Student members of the ensemble are Jen Steindorf of San Diego, Calif.; Kassaundra Davidson of Roseau, Minn.; Samuel Binkley of Fulton, Mo.; and Nick Hoover of Kingdom City, Mo.
 
“The Drowsy Chaperone” is directed by Joe Potter, artistic director of theatre and assistant professor of performing arts. Serving as music director is Rebecca Talbert, adjunct music instructor. Adrienne Branson, adjunct dance instructor and WWU alumna, is the choreographer. Jane Friedman will design the costumes.
 
For tickets, call the box office at (573) 592-4267. Adults $14; Children (6-12), $10; WWU faculty/staff/students, $12; and seniors (62+), $12.
 
Season tickets are available through the final performance of “The Drowsy Chaperone”; $40 for adults, $34 for senior citizens 62+, and $22 for ages 6-12. Contact Joe.Potter@WilliamWoods.edu or call 592.4281.