I'll never forget the response when we annouced what the fall musical would be this year - "The Drowsy what??"
I knew that it may be a show that didn't have the name recognition that some of the shows from the past have had, but that did not take away from how wonderful a show it was.
I first saw The Drowsy Chaperone on Broadway in 2006. In fact, it was the first show I had ever seen in New York and I was amazed at how a small Canadian wedding gift had turned itself into a full Broadway production. It had a little bit of everything - flashy dance numbers, diva ballads, comedic timing and a "true north strong and free" sense of humour. Beyond all of this though, it had heart; amongst all of the craziness it had a dramatic thread that allowed the audience to be swept away into the 1920's while staying grounded in today.
Five years later I found myself assistant directing The Drowsy Chaperone at Theatre Calgary and while some things had their own spin put on them, all of the heart and fun remained.
Fast forward to this year and I believe we have achieved the same things with our production. The students have done a remarkable job of diving into their characters, learning their songs and lines and committing to the crazy blocking and choreography. The student stage management team and running crew have done a remarkable job keeping track of costumes, props and where actors are supposed to be and the orchestra has done an amazing job of learning an entire show that none of them were previously famialiar with.
We have all fallen in love with this adorable little Canadian show that could. I am so thankful for all of the support we continue to receive from parents, alumni and staff at STS. Without your support none of what you see on stage would be possible.
Now, sit back and enjoy The Drowsy Chaperone - hopefully it will do what a musical is supposed to do - take you away to another world and give you a song to take along with you. It certainly has for all of us.
-Mr. Chris Stockton
