MacEwan mounts The Drowsy Chaperone

Sentimental. Frothy. Nostalgic. Humorous. These are just a few adjectives that describe The Drowsy Chaperone, one of Broadway’s darlings from the last decade.

Since the Citadel Theatre produced this fizzy concoction in the 2009-2010 season, it’s been absent from the regional scene.

However, starting Nov. 23 to Dec. 3, the MacEwan Fine Arts program is mounting the parody of 1920s musicals under the direction of Kate Ryan, former St. Albert Children’s Theatre actor.

“Kate is amazing. She likes to push us as much as being positive and telling us we’re great. Even at last night’s rehearsal she was giving us notes to push ourselves. But she’s also very positive,” said St. Albert actor Gabriel Gagnon.

The good-looking six-foot-two actor has nabbed the male lead Robert Martin, a wealthy, well-travelled man imbued with a certain naďveté.

Winner of five Tony Awards, The Drowsy Chaperone was huge hit for Bob Martin and Don McKellar’s book and Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison’s score.

Set in the 1920s, the story revolves around a lonely, middle-aged musical theatre fan as he plays a record of his favourite musical, the fictional Drowsy Chaperone. Suddenly his depressing apartment turns into a bright, sparkling stage and all the characters come to life complete with footlights and glitzy costumes.

The fanciful storyline centres on Janet, a pampered Broadway starlet who wants to give up show business to marry a rich, debonair groom. Afraid of losing money, her producer sets out to sabotage the nuptials.

In the chaos just before the wedding, the musical is peopled with a nervous best man, a dotty dowager, a sardonic servant, a dizzy chorus girl, an over-the-top Latin lover and a couple of gangsters disguised as pastry chefs.

It features a light, energetic score interspersed with classic one-liners and musical comedy gags.

“It’s got a romantic comedy vibe. It has a 1920s party feel. It’s very happy, very dancey. It floats. It’s airy. It’s happy,” Gagnon said.

Enthusiastic about the production’s unbridled joy, the young actor credits choreographer Jason Hardwick for creating the era’s effervescence.

“Jason is a wonderful tap teacher. He knows our different skill level and he’s challenged us. His choreography is incredible and works with us. And in a song like Toledo Surprise, we all look like we’re on the same level.”

However, Gagnon’s favourite song is An Accident Waiting to Happen, a peppy ballad between Robert and Janet. What makes this duet challenging is that a blindfolded Robert rollerblades while singing.

Another challenge is the hyper-energetic Cold Feets, a fast tap the twitchy groom and best man performs just before the wedding.

“This show takes you to a different reality. It will make you forget about your problems. No matter how you feel, you’ll be happy at the end.”

The musical takes place at John L. Haar Theatre, Centre for the Arts and Communications, 10045 – 156 St.