To play Devil's advocate, here are the reviews from Toronto's daily newspapers of the last Canadian run of the show.
Toronto Sun- "...short on both affection and real humour… it's still just a skit, trying desperately to be something far more."
Toronto Star- "musical comedy still seems like Fringe show and "Drowsy" isn't the word!” …This is probably a musical for people who hate musicals, and secretly think they're all silly and trivial. I don't, and so I was less than amused by most of the proceedings. There are people who will enjoy this, and I wish them well. I just don't agree with them. But most of all, let us hope this is where the expansion of The Drowsy Chaperone ends. "
Finally a mild rave from the Globe and Mail - "With more songs, stronger leads and direction from Daniel Brooks, this much worked-over Fringe hit finally emerges as an amusing, minor satire of our affection for old musicals. Bob Martin is delightful as a nerdy radio host who is going to play us his 78-rpm of that beloved chestnut The Drowsy Chaperone. Much silliness follows with Karen Hines and Dan Chameroy producing a big-eyed gamine and long-bodied aristocrat worthy of many an old movie. "
I liked "Palm Beach" in La Jolla despite its many flaws but think that show had a rat's chance in hell of ever making it on Broadway...While LA audiences may embrace "Drowsy", I wonder whether the harder-to-please NY audiences and critics would buy off on this show.
"It does what a musical is supposed to do; it takes you to another world. And it gives you a little tune to carry in your head. Something to take you away from the dreary horrors of the real world. A little something for when you're feeling blue. You know?"
