Utah Tech Theatre Presents “The Drowsy Chaperone”
Utah Tech Theatre Program is excited to present the musical comedy “The Drowsy Chaperone” at the Eccles Performing Arts Center on the UT campus. This lively musical has won five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score. A loving send-up of the Jazz Age, “The Drowsy Chaperone” features one show-stopping dance number after another. The show plays February 23 – 25 and February 28 – March 4. at 7:30 pm in the Eccles Mainstage Theatre on the UT campus.
With the houselights down, the person in the Chair appears on stage and puts on their favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life, and “The Drowsy Chaperone” begins as the person 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.
According to Matt Koeing (UT assistant Professor of Theatre), “The Drowsy Chaperone” after whom the show (within the show…and the show outside the show…are you lost?) is named. The character of The Drowsy Chaperone is The Person in the Chair’s favorite character within the musical. She’s acerbic, bold, and hilarious. She’s not afraid to take up space and be her fully realized self…even if no one else can follow her train of thought. She acknowledges that we are all stumbling along in life and that it’s ok to do that. Keep your eye on the highball- so to say.
Utah Tech students make up the cast, most of whom are Theatre majors. Koeing says, “I’m excited by what they bring to the table. The heart and absurdity the actors are bringing forth during this process are exciting.”
In addition to Koeing, other production staff includes Stage Manager: Sydney Burns (UT alumni), Assistant Stage Manager: Avalon McNary and Katelyn Scott (UT student), and Assistant Director & Dramaturg: Rook Reilly (UT student). Koening is the musical director and dialect coach, with Megan Cross as the choreographer.
Technical designers include Scenic Design: Chelsea Richards (Associate Professor of Scenic Design), Costume Design: Kris Davies (Associate Professor of Costume Design), and Technical Direction and Lighting Design: Henry Echeverria (Assistant Professor of Lighting Design & Technical Direction).
Admission is free. There’s no need to secure tickets in advance. We want everyone to be able to come to see our students’ work! By attending one of our productions, you are actively participating in the growth and training of Utah Tech students. More information can be found at https://theatre.utahtech.edu/
Performances of “The Drowsy Chaperone” will play February 23 – 25 and February 28 – March 4. All performances at 7:30 pm on the Eccles Mainstage, in the Eccles Fine Arts Center, 225 S 700 E, St George, on the campus of Utah Tech University.
