Theater Review: "The Drowsy Chaperone" at Connecticut Theatre Company

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

Connecticut Theatre Company presented a thoroughly enjoyable production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” to close their 2023 season. I was unable to fit an early performance of this show into my calendar, and the production team graciously allowed me to attend one of the crowded performances on their closing weekend.

The clever show that made its debut in 1998 features music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison that enhance the book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar. Director David Nunner, making his debut as a solo director, describes the musical as “a rare combination of unprecedented originality and side splitting hilarity (that) boldly addresses a great unspoken desire in all of our hearts: to be entertained.”

The director adds that “the holidays are not always ‘a good time’ for everyone” and explains that “[t]his show is a great time to get away and just smile and be swept into this hilarious comedy.” Nunner and the talented cast succeeded in making audiences laugh throughout this charming production. I have been able to see this show enough times that I can anticipate both the funniest lines and the lyrics of the musical numbers, but I am still able to enjoy everything about this unique show.

Seth Vannatter (pictured above) embodied the role of Man in Chair, bringing out every ounce of comedy in his character, often charmingly reacting and becoming a part of the action of this parody of a 1920s musical comedy. Unbelievably, this is Vannatter’s first time acting on the stage since 2017, although they have performed regularly as Enigma Jones. I look forward to seeing them in more on stage roles.

Ralene Goff, an elementary school music teacher, was a delight of the dotty Mrs. Tottendale in her third CTC production and Paul Kornman (“Holiday Inn”) did well as Underling.

Joey Abate (Officer Welch in “Rumors” at Center Stage) returned for his second show with CTC to portray the groom Robert and gave an excellent performance. Charlie Hartel (the lead in “Zanna Don’t!”) returned to CTC to play Robert’s Best Man, George, and got to sing and dance really well. I could watch this talented actor do just about anything on stage.

Montana Telman (Wendla in “Spring Awakening”) was able to shine throughout her portrayal of the bride, Janet Van De Graaff, who doesn’t “wanna show off no more.” Telman’s first musical in her sophomore year in high school was “Drowsy,” but this is the first time she played Janet.

Susan Smith played The Chaperone in her seventh CTC show and was delightfully brassy and drowsy. The director ignored Man in Chair’s request to keep the actors out of the audience and had Smith make her entrance from the seat in front of mine.

Stephen Maher was a standout in the role of Feldzieg, making the most of this role of the show producer in his ninth show with CTC. Classically trained soprano Janet Aldrich did well as Kitty, and could be heard hitting the high notes in the ensemble numbers in her fourth show with CTC.

Opera singer Frederick Goff shared the stage with his wife Ralene to take on the scenery-chewing role of Aldolpho. Krystina Diaz (Martha in “Spring Awakening”) returned to this stage to play Trix the Aviatrix. Allie Reya (“Zanna Don’t!) and Sheila Duckworth (“The Full Monty”) teamed up to play the gangsters posing as pastry chefs (“Toledo Surprise.”)

Kudos to the talented dancers in the ensemble who brought choreographer Erin Frechette’s vision to life. I noticed the effective “mirror dancing” during “Cold Feet,” and the charming “Accident Waiting to Happen.”

Nick Stanford led the group of seven musicians seated above the stage as music director in his 9th show with Connecticut Theatre Company. I have seen Stanford at GetUp Stage Company shows, and he also subs at Playhouse on Park and Seven Angels.

Kathryn Lewis (“Spring Awakening”) designed the costumes that evoked the 1920s well. I loved Janet’s peach and white gown in which she belted out “Bride’s Lament.”

The set included a vintage nook on stage right for Man in Chair, with a small kitchen on stage left. CTC Executive Director and Stage Manager Duane Campbell served as the sound operator, with Nunner on lighting.

Thank you to CTC for allowing me to review this show, better late than never. The Repertory Theatre, which is truly “a community theatre open to all,” is located on a residential street in New Britain. ConnecticutTheatreCompany.org.

All photos by Shayna Shurelds Amato

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the CCC Facebook page.