Audiences rejoice. Shepparton Theatre Arts Group is back with its first musical since COVID-19 struck.
STAG is presenting The Drowsy Chaperone. Audiences can be assured, there’ll be almost nothing ‘drowsy’ about the show, which, like a chaperone, is set to usher in an epic return to the stage.
The vibrant and witty 1998 musical is full of catchy songs, roaring 20s-themed dances and stunning costumes.
STAG players John Head, Fiona Kennan, Matt Dowling and Megan Scott are part of a 30-strong cast from across the Goulburn Valley.
Accompanying the theatre veterans will be an 11-piece orchestra that breathes life into a playful parody of 1920s musical comedy and the “jazz age”.
Director Casey Fogarty said the story was narrated by a lonely musical theatre addict called “Man in Chair” played by John Head, who cheers himself up by playing a record of his favourite Broadway show.
As the needle drops on the spinning disc, the songs burst into life with starlets, gangsters, chorus girls, tap dancers and plenty of mad Charleston dancing.
Ms Fogarty summed up the show in one short word: fun.
“There’s lots of singing, lots of dancing, some fabulous costumes — and there’s heart behind it too,” she said.
“It’ll make you laugh and it will make you think.”
Ms Fogarty said The Drowsy Chaperone would be a great opportunity for the whole community to join together and celebrate the opening up of life again after the COVID-19-interrupted past two years.
“It’s just been wonderful to be back working with such creative people, from the actors, singers, dancers and musicians to the set builders, costume makers and make-up artists,” she said.
“We believe we’re coming back stronger than ever; this shows we’re getting back to normal, we’re starting to live again and coming back to the world — which is what the character ‘Man in Chair’ is actually doing too.“
Make way for Megan Scott as Broadway starlet Janet van de Graaff, who is about to give up her career to marry the handsome Robert Martin played by Digby Bunnett.
However, with the inebriated chaperone from the title played by Stefania Panella, Fiona Kennan’s dithering Mrs Tottendale, Matt Dowling’s loud lothario Aldolpho, and Janet’s scheming producer Feldzieg played by Robbie Maher, things don’t exactly go to plan.
STAG president Wendy Platt said the whole company was excited to bring a large musical production to the stage once again.
“This has certainly been a long time coming. We’re sure everyone will leave the theatre humming the songs after a night of shared laughter — bring your hankies,” Mrs Platt said.
The Drowsy Chaperone opens at WestSide Performing Arts Centre, Echuca Rd, Mooroopna on Friday, April 1. Tickets are on sale at www.riverlinksvenues.com.au or by phoning the Riverlinks Box Office on 03 5832 9511.