The Drowsy Chaperone has been one of my favorite musicals since it premiered on Broadway in 2006. I grew up doing a lot of Theatre, so it was a joy to see a musical that was essentially a love letter to my craft. I decided to mount this musical so I could share that love of Theatre with my students and our audience.
However, as I began to dig deeper into the script, I realized this show wasn't just about a love of Theatre. It explores the ideas of love and happiness in our own lives. Four couples find love -- or some version of it -- in The Drowsy Chaperone. Of course love always works out in the end of a 1920s musical comedy, but sometimes it doesn't in real life. "Often, in the end, there are lawyers," the Woman in Chair points out. Yet, despite all of her own disappointments in life and love, she comes to the conclusion that "in a larger sense, in a broader sense, it's better to have lived than left, right?"
I found echoes of this in my own life when I decided to leave the comfort of my previous job of five years back in October to come and teach here at Wekiva. I was terrified, but looking back now I am happy I took a risk and chose to live. It has been a pleasure working with these students over the past few months to put this production together. They have worked tirelessly rehearsing and creating the our set. Thank you to Mrs. Bartschi, Mrs. Goussyra and Mrs. Tobin for all of their hard work in making this a great show. I'd also like to thank Dr. Gruber for giving me this wonderful opportunity and for being so supportive of our production.
I hope The Drowsy Chaperone inspires you to face your own fears and take risks -- to live. We only have one opportunity at this thing called life, so we should all strive to live it to its fullest.
Enjoy the show!
Sincerely,
Garrett Jurss
Director
