Drowsy Chaperone for Hayes Theatre
Independent Sydney Musical Theatre company Squabbalogic will present the exuberant musical within a comedy The Drowsy Chaperone, in association with Hayes Theatre Co from March 14 – April 6, 2014.
Squabbalogic’s recent productions of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and Carrie The Musical have both been nominated for Best Musical at the 2013 Sydney Theatre Awards.
In a shabby New York apartment, a die-hard musical-theatre fan plays his favourite Broadway cast album on his turntable with the musical literally bursting to life in his living room and telling the rambunctious tale of a brazen Broadway starlet trying to find, and keep, her true love. The Drowsy Chaperone will be directed by Jay James-Moody (Carrie The Musical), with Musical Direction by Paul Geddes and choreography by Monique Sallé.
The cast features Gael Ballantyne as Mrs Tottendale, Ross Chisari as George, Hilary Cole as Janet, the bride giving up the stage, Chris Coleman as the butler Underling, Emily Cooperthwaite in various roles from a maid to a monkey, Laurence Coy as Feldzeig, Anna Freeland in various roles from a maid to a monkey, Jay James-Moody as Man in the Chair, Jaimie Leigh Johnson as Kitty, Steven Kreamer as a gangster posing as a pastry chef, Michele Lansdown as The Drowsy Chaperone, Brett O'Neil as the bridegroom, Robert, Monique Salle as Trix, the aviatrix, Tom Sharah as Adolpho and Richard Woodhouse as a gangster posing as a pastry chef.
“The Drowsy Chaperone has been on our wish-list for many years. To be presenting a show that is essentially a love letter to musical theatre as our first production at Hayes Theatre Co is very fitting and exciting,” said producer Jessica James-Moody.
Originally presented on Broadway in 2006, The Drowsy Chaperone won five Tony Awards including Best Book and Best Score and has enjoyed major productions in Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, London, Japan and a sell-out 2010 season by the Melbourne Theatre Company starring Geoffrey Rush, who is also set to star in a film adaptation of the show.
“This is a great show for musical traditionalists but is also hilariously meta and contemporary. Perfect for anyone who enjoyed our previous productions of [title of show] and A New Brain. It is fun, witty and full of heart. We can't wait to put it on its feet at Hayes Theatre Co,” said director Jay James-Moody.
Squabbalogicaims to present an eclectic range of local premieres of the best new musicals and reinterpretations from the canon of outstanding musical theatre. Founded in 2006, Squabbalogic provides a stage for Australia’s finest emerging and established artists to present exciting and dynamic work, while nurturing a fun, inclusive professional creative environment.
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The Drowsy Chaperone
Music & Lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar
Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point
Dates: March 14 – April 6, 2014
Opening Night Tuesday 18 March
Tickets on Sale Friday January 17
Times: Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm, Saturday at 2pm & 7.30pm & Sunday at 5pm.
Tickets: Adult $48, Student/Concession ID required $42*, Groups 8+ $40
Under 30’s $30 Tuesday and Wednesday evenings only, excludes Opening night
Previews: $38
Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.au or phone 0498 960 586
*including booking fees