'Drowsy Chaperone' Opens at Exit 82

The Exit 82 Theatre Co. will present its latest production, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” beginning on Wednesday July 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the auditorium at Toms River High School North.

The show will continue on Thursday July 28 also at 7:00 p.m. On Friday July 29 and Saturday July 30, show times are at 8:00 p.m. The run ends on Sunday July 31 at 2:00 p.m.

“The Drowsy Chaperone,” written by Bob Martin and Greg Morrison with music by Lisa Lambert and Don McKellar, has been directed and choreographed by Sean Openshaw and with musical direction by Carol Lombardi.

The show is a light-hearted homage to American musicals from the Jazz Age known as a “musical within a comedy.” The original Broadway production won Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score.

The plot revolves around a depressed musical theater fan who decides to listen to a recording of his favorite musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” As he does, he is transported into the world of the musical: characters appear in his dingy apartment which is transformed into an impressive Broadway set complete with sparkling sets, painted backdrops, and glitzy costumes. The ensuing plot incorporates mistaken identities, dream sequences, spit takes, tap dancing, a deus ex machina, a glamorous actress, an unflappable English butler, an absent-minded dowager, a ditzy chorine and her conniving producer, a harried best man, and the aforementioned “Drowsy”––that is, “Tipsy”––Chaperone. Much hilarity ensues before the final, satisfying outcome.

Featured in the show are company co-founder Billy Cardone as the Man in Chair, Kara Krichman as the actress Janet Van der Graff, Kelsi Galya as the ditzy Kitty, Joe Hausvater as Feldzeig the producer, and Jessica Murachanian as the chaperone.

Openshaw said he was particularly excited to be working on this show with this company. “I’m thrilled to be directing and choreographing this summer. It's a great show and the company creates such a positive and fun environment.”

Keely Davenport, one of the founders on the Exit 82 Theatre Company and a producer of the show said, “It's a hilarious comedy that is perfect for audiences of all ages.”

Ticket prices for all shows are $10 for adults, $7 for children and seniors. Call the Exit 82 Theatre box office at 732-506-6693 to order tickets or more information