Good Evening and Welcome to Edmond Memorial High School!
"I just want a story, and a few good songs that will take me away."
This line, spoken by the Man in the Chair, frames our evening and what The Drowsy Chaperone is about. We've all experienced the magic of classic musicals and movie musicals of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s – a time when life was simpler, stories made us laugh, and songs made us hum along. The Drowsy Chaperone is a love letter to musicals of this time. This show offers itself as an example of the ways in which people find escape from the world around them.Whether it be rooting for a team, reading a great book, or listening to a wonderful album, escapism is a natural and necessary part of making it through our daily lives. The Man in the Chair is someone who finds comfort and joy in the world he has created inside his apartment. We know that you will be touched by the innocent and unabandoned joy of this wonderful show.
Like many musicals of the 1920s, there are many elements that we now, in today’s world, find socially unacceptable. The racial and gender stereotyping, the roles of the wealthy and those who serve them, and the terms we use to describe others are all called out in The Drowsy Chaperone. The use of alcohol and the simulated drinking of it in the show is used for gags and comedic bits. It is not meant as a statement or condonable behavior for those under the legal drinking age. We hope all audience members understand that these elements are there to be critiqued or for humorous purposes.
I want to personally thank PACE for creating such wonderful memories for our students and for supporting these productions each and every year. I also want to thank my wonderful colleagues: Wes, Mary Beth, David, Jeff, and Anthony for making my job an absolute joy each and every day.
It has been my absolute honor to work with this talented and hardworking team of cast and crew members. Their bravery and passion for their craft was an inspiration to me each and every day. Thank you so much for your support of Edmond Memorial Performing Arts! Enjoy the show!
Patrick Towne
Director of Theatre Arts
