Scotch Plains-Fanwood HS Theatre’s ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ To Open

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School’s annual musical production, a musical-comedy parodying Jazz Age musicals, is set to open this week.

Billed as “an endearing parody of the Jazz Age musical,” according to a statement from the drama program. “The Drowsy Chaperone” involves over 75 students in the cast, crew and live orchestra. The comedy-musical will open March 2 with performances on March 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m., as well as March 4 and 5 at 2 p.m. in the Manya Ungar Memorial Auditorium at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School (667 Westfield Road).

“The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving spoof on musical theater, and a celebration of entertainment itself as an antidote for despair,” director Morgan Knight said. “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!”

Here’s a description of the production, courtesy of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School:

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.

Alongside Knight, the production is under the creative supervision of Jan Allen (Producer and Music Director), Courtney Nemec (Producer and Assistant Director), Trey Shore (Pit Orchestra Conductor), Peter Avagliano (Set Designer), Evan Perrotta (Technical Director and Crew Supervisor), Cat Cusick (Lighting Designer) and Joanne Sprague (Costume Designer).

The performance contains some adult humor. Parents are encouraged to use their own judgment based on their child's age and maturity level, the school said.

Tickets for The Drowsy Chaperone are on sale 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 at mullark66@comcast.net for discounted tickets; accessible seating is also available by request for those with mobility challenges.

Limited tickets may also be purchased at the door.