On March 13, 14, and 15, the Livingston High School Theater will perform its spring musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, the show is a parody of the Golden Age musical, featuring several song and dance numbers. Debuting on Broadway in 2006, the synopsis of “The Drowsy Chaperone” reads, “With the house lights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ begins as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in two lovers 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 an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight.”
With music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, a book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, and starring a Tonynominated Sutton Foster in its Broadway run, this show has an impressive pedigree. Yet, we suspect it may not be as well known as some of the LHS troupe’s other recent productions. Because of that, we wish to strongly encourage residents to attend the show regardless of their familiarity, as they are sure to have a great night at the theater.
If you have never attended one of the Livingston High School plays or musicals, believe us, you are missing out. The fall play, “Clue,” was a fantastic production that was an impressive technical feat of acting and elaborate set design. And some Tribune employees are still raving about LHS Theater’s rendition of “Fiddler on the Roof” a few springs ago (for that show, the Paper Mill Playhouse even gave performer Jonah Ruderman a Rising Star award for his performance of “If I Were a Rich Man”).
We are so lucky to have such a talented theater program in town, currently led by Scott Patteson, who has helped evolve the program over the last half decade with initiatives such as an annual signing day for his student cast and crew members. The shows the troupe puts on twice a year always wildly exceed the expectations of what one might expect from a high school production. And who knows what future Broadway stars you might catch during a performance. Remember, last year’s Tony Awards nominations featured two LHS alums – Leslie Kritzer (“Spamalot”) and Nikki James (“Suffs”). Broadway’s next great stars might be performing for you right here in Livingston, with great seats for just a couple of bucks!
We strongly encourage residents to check out “The Drowsy Chaperone” next month and experience a slice of Broadway right here in town. In addition to a wonderful night of theater, by attending, you’re also supporting and encouraging our local students! Tickets may be purchased at the door or at lhstheater. com.
