THE DROWSY CHAPERONE in LA: WARNING!

[steveshack]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 8:28am

(I AM NOT A SHILL FOR THIS SHOW).

Folks, there is a new show in previews now in LA that is hopefully going to go to Broadway. It's called "The Drowsy Chaperone" at the Ahmanson. All I can tell you is that YOU MUST NOT READ A SINGLE WORD ABOUT THE PLOT OF THIS SHOW BEFORE IT GETS TO BROADWAY. In fact, if you can afford it, COME TO LA AND SEE IT NOW before people start giving away its secrets.

Margo, when you were talking about the lemon musical and stated how it's, at the very least, completely original and therefore worth seeing, that's exactly what "The Drowsy Chaperone" is -- EXCEPT THIS IS GREAT THEATRE, not bad theatre that's so bad you want to see it.

What I have been telling all my friends is to drop everything and SEE IT NOW. TODAY. TONIGHT. Do NOT read about it. Don't read the reviews. They'll give it away. Don't read anything about it.

I saw it with virgin eyes and ears and I'm telling you, with all the risk of sounding like a complete idiot, THIS show is what the Producers WISHED it could be (not that they compare).

Just cross your fingers and hope that it comes to Broadway. It's singularly the freshest and more original and most hysterical show in years. And it's especially tailored for those who truly love musical theatre. You will GET this show. It comes from a place of absolutely KNOWING. And at the end, you'll even tear up.

I know I sound like a total fool here. But please just trust me on this one. This is the original, fresh show you've been waiting for.

Steve Schalchlin
Composer/lyricist of
The Last Session
The Big Voice: God or Merman?

[Patronus]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 10:12am

Excellent review, Steve.

I felt very similarly. It's an extremely fun show.

[Popular]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 11:59am

I'm starting to get really excited about seeing this! :)

[Unknown User]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 12:35pm

Can't wait..going Tuesday.


Steve: Loved "The Big Voice"...you're quite talented yourself!

[theonlyone]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 2:38pm

Alright, I guess this means I'll be going.

[AuditioningWaitress]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 2:39pm

Thanks for the review...Hope it finds its way to NYC!

[LaVieBoheme2]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 2:41pm

Thanks for the heads up, I really hope it makes it to Broadway.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 2:46pm

Are they aiming for this season or next?

[steveshack]

Posted: 11/14/05 at 1:05pm

I don't know when they plan the Broadway production. I just know that it's totally in the making. We're going to go back and see it again on opening night. I'll let you know how/if it's changed much. I hope everyone gets to see this, not just because it's good, but it's also a real love letter to musical theatre fans.

I love a show that really knows its audience written by people who truly love the artform of musical comedy.

>Steve: Loved "The Big Voice"...you're quite talented yourself!

Why, thank you! We still working on getting a full NY production of Big Voice. The negotiations are going along quite swimmingly, but I usually don't say anything until something is a done deal. If we do pull it together, please tell everyone.

Tonight is the Ovation Awards. We are up for Best Musical and both Jim Brochu and I are up for Best Lead Actor in a Musical.

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 11/14/05 at 1:07pm

I'm glad to hear this, and even more glad that two other people confirmed that it's a very enjoyable show. I'm very excited to see this when it comes to Broadway.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 11/16/05 at 2:37pm

Saw it last night....

Immensely adorable, hugely entertaining, delightfully witty and heartfelt. A glorious theater confection. Best 2 hours I have spent in the dark in YEARS!

Run to the Ahmanson, see THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, and fall in love with musical theater all over again!

[Popular]

Posted: 11/16/05 at 2:38pm

You guys are seriously building this up for me... I'm getting excited!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 11/16/05 at 2:58pm

PS: Loved it! And I am NOT a shill either.
Updated On: 11/16/05 at 02:58 PM

[Sheri]

Posted: 11/16/05 at 9:01pm

Great review, Steveshack! I saw it on Saturday and I loved it. It was innovative, witty, clever - just a joy to see!

[defygravity2]

Posted: 11/16/05 at 10:31pm

I'm going next Tuesday...thanks to Patronus' Hot Tickets tip!
Hopefully, the second row of the center balcony won't be too far back.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 3:33pm

I'm not sure how this show will play in such a huge theatre. It began in Toronto as part of our Fringe fetival about 5 years ago. Then it was expanded and presented for a short run at the downtown Winter Garden theatre (about 900 seats) getting great reviews and it seemed a perfect fit for that size venue. I wonder how many non-show buffs will get all the jokes and references to pre-Lp cast albums.

Just a note - there were no "original cast albums" of American shows in the 20s and only a very few in the 30s. The earliest American "cast album" was actualy an experimental early Lp by RCA Victor of THE BANDWAGON in 1931. The first show to get a full album of records by the original cast was THE CRADLE WILL ROCK in 1937. But the practise didn't really become popular until the 40s when Decca put out albums of OKLAHOMA!
, CARMEN JONES, SONG OF NORWAY, CAROUSEL and others.

[neocomposer]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 3:47pm

Aaah...I am so glad this show is great, but that doesn't make waiting to see if it comes to Broadway ANY easier!!

But I'm still really happy for it!