Munk on THE DROWSY CHAPERONE

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 12:42am

While THE DROWSY CHAPERONE seems to be gaining some praise right off the bat due to the fact that it's an entirely original musical, it is absolutely not the saving grace of the season that everyone - including myself- was hoping it would be.

The show begins in the dark, with only Bob Martin (also co-writer of the book) on stage speaking to the audience. Literally every word out of his mouth - not only in the beginning of the show, but throughout the entire evening - is wonderfully hysterical. His comic timing is brilliant - think Denis O'Hare in TAKE ME OUT - only not perpetually neurotic - but funnier. Theatre aficionados in particular will get a big kick out of his mini-monologues - although there's something here for everyone. His opening monologue was just so perfect, so funny, and so cleverly written that it immediately raised my expectations for the rest of the show. This most definitely works against the show, in this case. Starting out with a bang is a wonderful thing - but not when all the subsequent material is less than impressive.

As soon as the show-within-a-show "Drowsy Chaperone" cast emerges and starts to act out the store from his apartment (with a few set pieces coming in and out), something just doesn't seem quite right.

The plot of "The Drowsy Chaperone" (the fictional musical, not the actual show on Broadway) is the most uninteresting, generally unfunny material that just doesn't quit. The music is forgettable and lyrics banal, and the story just plain - excuse my bluntness - sucks. Yes, obviously, it's in the style of a musical right out of the 1920's - a musical where the songs do very little, if anything, to advance the plot - full of stereotypes, melodramatic acting, and plenty of slapstick-style comedy. Or, should I say "comedy." While the story they present to us is probably something that might have emerged from the 1920's, it's just not interesting. I didn't care about a single character in "Drowsy", I didn't like a single song, I wasn't impressed by a single dance number, and the more the plot grew tired and rediculous, the more the cast tried so hard to show us that they're funny - the less funny they were.

The show gets away with it here and there, most specifically when Bob Martin stops the action to comment on the show - he'll say something like "These lyrics are really bad," or "This scene is really pointless," etc. Yea, I know it's the point - but why should I have to suffer through it? The only time I was interested in what was going on was when the action stopped and Martin addressed the audience with his brilliantly witty dialogue.

The cast is generally okay, but the only standout, again - is Bob Martin. Several of the performances start off as barely amusing, and quickly do down hill from there - to the point where you swear if they say one more word, you'll run up on stage yourself and remove them from the theatre. Most noteably, Danny Burstein as the over stereotypical, obnoxious, thoroughly unfunny Adolpho, Troy Britton Johnson as the former toothpaste model/fiance whose Gaston-like act is just tired, Garth and Jason Kravits as the bakers/gangsters - pure unfunny slapstick time and time again - they especially grated on my nerves.

On the "upside" of the performances, Georgia Engel is appropriately airheaded and has some thoroughly funny moments, particularly with Edward Hibbert - who have great chemistry together. It's a pleasure to see Sutton Foster back on the stage. After her marvelous performances in MILLIE and LITTLE WOMEN, she set the bar a little too high for her a little too soon. She's fine here - in fine vocal form, but she exerts much of the same charm she used as Millie. Every word out of her mouth is spoken in an overly dramatic, over-acting sort of way. I understand that it's the point - but it just gets annoying. Not only are the lines not interesting or compelling, but the melodrama only adds to the audiences frustration. Eddie Korbich really only appears in the beginning of the show, and he does great work here. Beth Leavel, in the title role, is hysterical, but I still think she could have done more with it. Her big diva song is quite entertaining - and you'd swear you were watching Joanna Lumley as Patsy from AB FAB channelling Judy Garland. It's quite the treat - but while her character was a true saving grace in the beginning, her part got smaller and smaller, and it got to the point where I was so sick of what was going on in the show-within-a-show that I was praying for her to come out and do something funny - but she doesn't.

So as I said before, this show is half compelling, half boring. The only time I was truly entertained was when Bob Martin was speaking to the audience - I cannot praise his writing or his performance enough, and I certainly think he will be remembered this award season. The book is half and half. Anything he says is remarkably funny, and very well-written. Anything that happens within the show itself, is less than interesting, rarely funny, and just plain tiresome. Yes, it's in the style of what may be a prohibition era-musical, but so much of it is just wasted time. As I said before, the score is forgettable and there is absolutely nothing redeemable about it.

Just as I thought I couldn't get any more fed up with the show within the show, suddenly all these different people are getting married. Yes, poking fun at whimsical, nonsensical old musicals - but at the same time, they're presenting it to a contemporary audience - and we (atleast myself) don't want to see that. What on earth was with the airplane landing on stage? Why on earth did the pilot marry everyone? I doubt anyone has a sensical answer for this - it just doesn't exist.

To borrow some words from Mama Rose, "Just give them a big strong finish, and they'll forgive you for anything!" That's immediately what popped into my head after this show. For, despite how bored I was during certain parts of this show - and despite how irritating much of the show within is, the ending is quite moving. Slight spoiler, so don't read on if you don't like that sort of thing. When Martin sat on the airplaine and the Chaperone handed him the record that he uses so often to escape his blues - and the airplane takes off with only Martin sitting on the wing (with the rest of the cast knowingly smiling at him from below), it was strangely and interestingly moving. It was a great moment - the best moment in the entire show. So, of course Rose was right. Send the audience out on a good note, and all else is forgotten. Well, of course when you think about it - it's not correct - but leaving the show with a good feeling is certainly a plus.

Of course, all of us have our own Drowsy Chaperone - a musical we listen to over and over to escape the brutalness of the real world - and that makes the audience immediately sympathize and care for The Man in the Chair (Martin).

While it's thrilling to see an entirely original musical on Broadway - one with actual heart (and a fantastic leading male performance), it is deeply flawed and could really use some work. I don't think this show will last very long, unless of course the reviews are raves - which I highly doubt they will be.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 1:50am

Does no one feel the same way? Share their take? Or do people just not like to see less than stellar reviews?

[broadwaybelter]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 2:14am

thank you for the very detailed review

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 2:19am

How was Bob Martin?

[sweetestsiren]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 2:22am

Well, it is kind late at night, so I'm not sure how many responses you expected from people who have seen the show and would be able to comment in detail. That said, very well-written review, and thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 2:23am

I was there tonight.

Munk, you pretty much nailed it.
I kept hoping Martin would interrupt the proceedings MORE.

Big blooper - HE DOESN'T TURN THE RECORDS OVER.

More later.

Updated On: 4/6/06 at 02:23 AM

[allofmylife]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 3:57am

They got a show on Broadway. What have you ever done?

Tonight seems to be the night when, as Alan Jay Lerner used to call them, "The Dear SH*Ts" come out of the woodwork to dump on The Drowsy Chaperone. I saw the show in Toronto and totally enjoyed it. And that was BEFORE all the work that's been done down here in the States.

I don't know what show you saw but we seem to be living in parallel universes. I certainly prefer mine to the dark hole you guys inhabit.

[ken8631]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 7:53am

I totally enjoyed the show...

"Why on earth did the pilot marry everyone? I doubt anyone has a sensical answer for this - it just doesn't exist."

Spoiler.......

Supposedly whoever was going to get the minister didn't, and a pilot of an airplane is like the captain of a ship, so can marry people.

It was an enjoyable, entertaining, fun show! I loved it, and thought the whole cast did a great job.....

[steveshack]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 7:54am

I kinda wrote this on a different thread, but I agree with Munk that the score within the show is not exactly the greatest, wittiest thing in the world, so I don't think it's necessary to flame Munk for being honest about his reaction. My greatest fear was that people would approach this show as if it was the Second Coming and miss its comedic charms, which Munk did not. Drowsy might not be a perfect show, but it's positives are so good, and it is a very, VERY funny script with a superb Bob Martin doing double duty as book writer and lead actor. I think with so many witless, dull shows doing nothing but trying to sell tickets with warmed over retreads of old titles, hoping to get those tourist dollars, that Drowsy deserves a good run.

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 9:15am

Here we go again.

"They got a show on Broadway. What have you ever done?"

Really? So, if you never vomit, you're incapable of looking at, and thereby identifying, puke?
It doesn't matter that you've not done something in order to judge it's good/bad merits. Have you been in a Broadway show? Is that why you must, therefore, like the Drowsy Chaperone?

"Tonight seems to be the night when, as Alan Jay Lerner used to call them, "The Dear SH*Ts" come out of the woodwork to dump on The Drowsy Chaperone. I saw the show in Toronto and totally enjoyed it. And that was BEFORE all the work that's been done down here in the States."

***Well, you've now stated YOUR opinion.

"I don't know what show you saw but we seem to be living in parallel universes. I certainly prefer mine to the dark hole you guys inhabit."

***Bully for you. He's liked shows before, it's highly likely he'll enjoy shows again. Clearly, he found some things to like in this show.
For the record, I have not seen it yet. I hope I, personally, enjoy the show (I love Beth Leavel). If I don't, am I somehow making a mistake or just being catty? It's a review, an opinion.

[steveshack]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 9:16am

The great thing about reading really bad reviews for the show is that now you officially go to the show with lowered expectations.

Posted: 4/6/06 at 9:35am

Master...You are right- I can't beleive he didn't turn the records over. I was there last night and noticed it too. I did thoroughly enjoy the show. Fun, clever, and Bob Martin is terrific! Go see it...

[SamIAm]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 9:42am

...unfortunately, it's not always POSITIVE thought.

While I may not always agree with Munk and I have NOT seen this show so I cannot comment on whether it is good or bad, I DO have to comment on the propensity for skewering someone with whom you do not agree. We can have a dialogue about the good and bad about a show but just because Munk does not LIKE DC does not mean he deserves to be shot.

To suggest that unless one has mounted a show on Broadway, one is not allowed to comment on said show is just ridiculous. Who the H - E - double hockey sticks do you think BUYS the tickets to these shows? Are they supposed to spend $100 and then NOT have an opinion?

PUH-LEEZ.

"what have you ever done?" indeed. Perhaps the creative team of this show has never dug a ditch. Does that mean they will not stumble INTO that ditch after it has been dug and hurt themselves?

That aside, I find the question "what have YOU ever done?" insulting. You know nothing about any of us on this board. How is it that you feel the need to insult us as if our lives have all come to nothing just because we never wrote a Broadway play?

Help me understand.

Munk, sorry for hijacking your thread with this, but I couldn't let this insult pass without commenting.

Updated On: 4/6/06 at 09:42 AM

[TheEnchantedHunter]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 9:52am

The answer to 'what have you done?' is very simple:

I PAID FOR THE TICKET. Thus, I fulfilled my end of the contract. Would that those behind the footlights did the same more often.

BooBooKitty
Hell's Kitchen, NY

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 9:53am

Walking by the Marquis, seeing the mugging stars blown up, looking as if they might reach out and grab me by the throat, I had next to no interest in this precious material.

Now I have no interest.

[LeaGirl]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 9:55am

I enjoyed it well enough - but the best praise I could come up with afterwards was "that was really cute"

I too wanted more Bob Martin and Beth - when she was onstage the show within a show had lots of interest for me - loved when she shoved Sutton behind the screen and sang her song.

I think I'd raised my expectations too high reading all the "best thing this year" reviews coming out of everyone who had seen it. I think I'd have been better off not reading any of it.

I thought Jersey Boys was better put together, and *ducks and apologizes to the theater gods* I laughed harder 3 days before at Wedding Singer. I liked it, I had a good time, I just didn't see what all the hoopla was about.

[TheEnchantedHunter]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 9:56am

>>>Walking by the Marquis, seeing the mugging stars blown up, looking as if they might reach out and grab me by the throat, I had next to no interest in this precious material.<<<

And that grab-you-by-the-throat-aren't-we-cute advertising outside the theater accurately reflects the show inside. Actually, the show could use some 'preciosity.'


Natasha Rostova
St. Petersburg, Russia
Updated On: 4/6/06 at 09:56 AM

[timote316]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 9:57am

Thank you (once again) for a well written review.

[best12bars]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 9:57am

I completely disagree with your review, but it was nicely written.

[Bohemian1232]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 10:22am

While I don't always agree with your reviews, I think that they are all well written. I'm seeing Drowsy tonight, and I really want to like it.

Updated On: 4/6/06 at 10:22 AM

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 10:49am

Very interesting review. Its good to hear another perspective.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 11:02am

Great review, Munk!

[allofmylife]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 11:15am

Sorry, Munk. I actually meant to s**t (as I now know I'll get censored) all over the OTHER negative review which I really didn't like at all. Yours was more reasoned (although Enchanted... must be wondering why I didn't like his, hmmmmm... that's criticism for ya). We disagree about a show. There will be others, thank god. I'll try to stop replying to postings at 2:00 on the morning.

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 11:27am

I LOVED the show when I saw it in LA...but in my humble opinion, it will not succeed on Broadway because there just isn't enough of an audience for it.

Local NY audiences are just too cynical and jaded to enjoy this show. The tourists and Bridge-and-Tunnel folks will not go to see it because there are no falling chandeliers or flying helicopters. The audience for this show is a select crowd of theatre queens (myself being an out-and-proud theatre queen).

Don't get me wrong, I LOVED this show...but I wouldn't invest in it because I don't see the commercial potential.

Discuss amongst yourselves...

[YankeeGal#24]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 1:06pm

<< Does no one feel the same way? Share their take? Or do people just not like to see less than stellar reviews? >>

Nope--I just posted it on another thread

re: THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (AKA THE BLOWSY FLOPEROO)
Posted On: 4/6/06 at 12:13 PM

Saw it on Tuesday night, and had lots of laughs. What I loved about Drowsy:

Bob Martin (hope he is nominated for a Tony for his role.)
Sutton Foster's singing/dancing
"Adolpho" (at first)
Laughing at the corniness of it all

What I didn't love:
Georgia Engel
The songs
Jennifer Smith seemed miscast in her role
The whole "Trix" piece didn't seem to fit
The repetiveness of the humor--okay, it was funny the first and maybe second times, but after that it gets a bit old

As I reflect back now, I wish this were a one man show, with Bob Martin as that man. Watching him elevated the book and the entire show.

I want to add that I am a HUGE Beth Leavel fan but was disappointed here. Her character was funny, again, at first, but frankly after awhile I got....drowsy.