Sewickley Academy Presents 'The Drowsy Chaperone'

When the red curtain opens today in Rea Auditorium, ’s cast of the musical comedy “The Drowsy Chaperone” will be ready to shine in the spotlight.

In one of the final dress rehearsals Tuesday, 17 cast members and 10 behind-the-scenes members ran through the Tony Award-winning production, repeating lines, singing songs and performing dance numbers that bring the hilarious show to life.

Drama teacher and Director Joseph Yow said the production is considered to be very difficult. Because the theater isn't readily available throughout the year, the set came up within the past two weeks.

"We’ve had our fair share of issues with the show, but I think all and all, the show is going really well for the size and scope,” Yow said.

“The Drowsy Chaperone" debuted on Broadway in 2006 and won two Tony Awards that year.

Yow said the Senior School students have been practicing since December though circumstances that were much different from years past.

Students were practicing for the performance when Sewickley Academy’s beloved song and dance teacher Kurt Cerny unexpectedly died on Jan. 18 from heart disease. Cerny, who taught at the academy for more than a decade, was the choreographer for the musical. and his devotion to his students was evident in the dance studio and on the stage.

Outside the theater hangs a large and colorful memorial filled with thoughts intended to honor Cerny’s memory.

The show has gone on, with dance instructor Joe Jackson stepping into the choreographer role. Jackson worked with students Tuesday during the final hours of dress rehearsal, helping them to perfect dance movements at the front of the stage.

Yow, in his second year as director, said the idea to produce the show came from the performing arts department. A committee made up of Yow, Jackson and Cerny picked the play for this year’s production. Costumes are from Kim Brown at Pittsburgh-based Spotlight Costume, and fine arts instructor David Ed is the accompanist.

 Yow said the show switches from different time periods and centers around a musical fan, known in the script simply as the “Man in the Chair.”

Senior James “Tripp” Bly narrates as the “Man in the Chair,” speaking to the audience throughout the play. At times when he is particularly excited about developments in the plot, the “Man in the Chair" jumps into the dance or pauses to speak directly to audience members.

The man is a lonely soul who sits alone in his apartment playing his favorite album, a 1928 smash hit called "The Drowsy Chaperone." His imagination brings to life the funny tale of showgirl bride Janet van de Graaff and her wedding day, while transforming his modern-day apartment into a lively 1920s Broadway show.

The show is anything but drowsy. With constant song and dance, it’s easy to become immersed in the story filled with dancing bakers, showgirls and an aviatrix.

The Drowsy Chaperone

When: 7 p.m. Today, Friday, Saturday

Where: Rea Auditorium, Sewickley Academy