You Want a Fun Night (or Day) Out? You've Got to See the Drowsy Chaperone!

I've written before about how much fun it is to be involved with Grosse Pointe Theatre. Well, I'm at it again. This time, I've been cast in the ensemble for one of the funniest plays around. It's called The Drowsy Chaperone and it opens May 5 and runs through May 18. As usual, all shows are at the beautiful Fries Auditorium at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial.

In a nutshell, it's a story of a man who pines for the great Broadway musicals old, when they were filled with glamor, hard-to-believe storylines and amazing singers, dancers and characters. He recalls his favorite -- the Drowsy Chaperone -- and as he recalls it, it comes to life behind him in all its antics, corny lines and amazing singing.

Besides this being a blog to encourage you and your family to attend this play (there are only a few corny lines that might be inappropriate for young kids, but they probably won't get them anyway), I have to say it combines some of the best talent GPT has seen. The play is written by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, with music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert (no relation) and Greg Morrison. But the cast, which pulls in good part from Grosse Pointe, is truly gifted.

Kate Connolly (GPW), Danielle Caralis (GPS), Tim Reinman (GPF) and Tim Higgins (Birmingham) lead this cast of rich voices and comical acting. It is directed by Susan Davis, of Grosse Pointe Farms. For those who have followed GPT productions, she has directed some of the most memorable productions, including Scarlet Pimpernel and The King and I.

Me? I'm in the emsemble, playing Mrs. Tottendale's maid. I'm the one who has to take everyone's coat and hat, while my fellow maids fawn over the arriving characters. You'll understand when you see it. It's a really funny role, and I get to do the Charleston with Eddie Tujaka, who is a GPC police officer and is now a mainstay in most productions at GPT.

So, instead of driving to see a movie or sitting in your house with the family, come on out and see live theatre, right in your own community. I guarantee you will laugh! Tell your friends, too!