I must admit I was daunted when I first approached writing a director’s note for this show. The Drowsy Chaperone is a deceptively complex piece of theater. It is, on the surface, a bright, shiny, bubbly musical comedy. At its heart it is a story about loneliness, isolation and the human need for validation. The fact that these contrasting themes live so comfortably in the same piece of theater is continuously mind boggling, to me. On one hand we have outrageous characters filled with side-splitting humor and on the other hand we have a damaged soul just trying to make it through another day. I find that balance fascinating, inspiring and comforting.
The Man in The Chair is many things. He is a lonely individual. He is flawed, lost and on the verge of abandon. He is an optimist, and he finds beauty in the unexpected. He is a template for the “lonely bachelor” stereotype that for so long felt the inability to speak up for their own happiness. He is every person that has ever felt the need for escape. The Man In The Chair is all of us.
So, here lies the complexity. Is this show a Drama? Is it a Comedy? Like all the best things in life, I believe it is both. I can guarantee that you will laugh. I suspect that you will cry. I truly hope that you will find a little tune to carry with you in your head. A little something to help you escape the dreary horrors of the real world. A little something for when you’re feeling blue. You know?
- Jordan Cooper
French Creek Theatre and the production team of "The Drowsy Chaperone" would like to extend special thanks to:
Nicholas Baker
Wesley Carney
Christine Madden
Gretchen Woods
