A show guaranteed to leave you feeling lighter than air and with a new appreciation for life’s little moments: Gulf Coast State College’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone opened at the Amelia Center Theater on April 5th.
The show centers around a man sharing his love of a “classic” 1920s musical as he recounts his feelings about the show, gives details of the lives of the show’s performers, and shares his opinions about different scenes by interjecting within them. The show within the show is a roaring comedy about the day of Robert Martin and Janet van de Graaff’s wedding and the ensuing hysterical moments are brought to new heights by the comments and interactions of The Man In The Chair. This is a show whose wit and hilarity are matched only by its incredible production. The Gulf Coast Players have achieved a marvel of incredibly acted scenes and jaw-dropping musical numbers. Each character is skillfully brought to life while maintaining the illusion that these are our actors playing actors who performed these characters in a fictitious musical over 100 years ago. Every portrayal includes the perfect amount of satire to convey the feeling of a character from that era of theatrical performance. The ability of this cast to stop and start at the whims of the narrator’s numerous interjections is nothing short of spectacular. The character of The Man In The Chair himself is performed in such a way that you forget he isn’t simply an old friend regaling you about a record he loves. The choreography of each musical number is carried out masterfully by the dancers, with a particularly mesmerizing tap number during the first act. Every note, harmony, and vibrato invokes chills and involuntary cheers from the audience. These songs are hilariously funny and not a single number feels less incredible than the next. Simply put, this show is a wonder with heartfelt realizations that creep up on you after the tears of laughter have been wiped away. There are three more chances to catch the show next weekend: Friday and Saturday at 7 and the Sunday matinee at 2:30. Don’t miss the chance to be brought into this wacky comedy or newfound appreciation for the little moments you can walk away with.
