The Drowsy Chaperone
Book by Bob Martin & Don McKellar
Music and Lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison
Directed by Sean Byrd
Music Direction by Christopher Stordalen
Choreography by Nickie Kromminga Hill
General Audition Information
Auditions will be held in person in the Black Box Theater at the Phipps Center for the Arts located at 109 Locust St. Hudson, WI 54016.
This audition is open to performers ages 18 and older.
Sign up here: The Drowsy Chaperone Auditions
Audition Details
Auditions will be held in 5-minute time slots on Monday, June 10 and Tuesday, June 11 from 6:00-9:00 pm. More audition slots may be added if all the available slots fill up.
Actors must fill out the audition form here: Drowsy Chaperone Audition Form
Those auditioning will be asked to prepare one comedic monologue (90 seconds maximum), and 16-32 bars of an uptempo song from or in the style of the show.
If needed, callbacks will be held on Thursday, June 13 from 6:00-9:00 pm in the Black Box Theater at the Phipps.
If you are unable to attend in-person auditions, please submit a video audition consisting of: one comedic monologue (90 seconds maximum), and 16-32 bars of an uptempo song from or in the style of the show. Please slate your name at the top of your video audition. Example: "Hi, my name is Jo Smith." Please also label your video file with your first and last name. Example: Jo_Smith_Audition. Upload the video along with your headshot and resume to this link: Drowsy Chaperone Virtual Auditions.
What to Bring
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An up-to-date headshot. If you do not have a headshot or up-to-date picture of yourself, you may be asked to stand for a photo when you arrive.
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A resume listing recent performance credits and any relevant skills or education.
About the Show
With the houselights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and The Drowsy Chaperone begins as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight.
Character Descriptions
Man In Chair: A musical theatre aficionado who mourns the end of the Golden Era. He narrates the show as he listens to the record on vinyl.
Mrs. Tottendale: The air-headed, proper, and bossy host of the wedding.
Underling: Mrs. Tottendale's savvy butler who is thrifty and stiff yet has an understated sense of humor.
Robert Martin: The dashing, ever-cheerful groom; played by matinee-idol Percy Hyman.
George: Robert's anxious, dim-witted best man who has Robert's best interest always at heart.
Feldzieg: Broadway producer who is desperate for his star to return to his show; played by Jack Adler.
Kitty: Feldzieg's dim-witted companion who has hopes of being a star; played by Sadie Adler.
Gangsters: Posing as pastry chefs, this duo intends to collect from Feldzieg; played by the vaudeville duo Tall Brothers.
Aldolpho: European self-proclaimed "ladies' man"; played by former silent movie star Roman Bartelli.
Janet Van De Graaf: The famous bride. Glamorous and talented star of Feldzieg's Follies; played by rising star Jane Roberts.
The Drowsy Chaperone: Janet's alcoholic confidante and friend; played by well-established stage actress Beatrice Stockwell
Trix: The brave and brash female aviator who, by chance, is recruited to perform the wedding.
Ensemble: Staff; Reporters
Some notes on this production:
An Intimacy Coordinator will be on hand at points throughout the rehearsal process to ensure that a space of acceptable risk is being created and that actors feel safe at all times. Actors cast in certain roles may be asked to engage in moments of intimacy that could include: hand-holding, hugging, and kissing.
There is a scene in the show that is written to comment on the rampant racism and cultural appropriation that existed in musicals during the period in which The Drowsy Chaperone is set. This scene is part of the show in order to hold up a light to the inappropriateness of this type of subject matter, and will hopefully help the audience question and challenge their own implicit biases. The scene will be treated with sensitivity and open communication at all times during the rehearsal process.
Scheduling Information
Rehearsals Begin: Monday, July 22
Tech Week Begins: Saturday, August 31
Performances: Fridays, September 6, 13, 20, & 27 at 7:00 pm
Saturdays, September 7, 14, & 28 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, September 21 at 2:00 pm
Sundays, September 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 2:00 pm
COVID Policy
Masks are optional during auditions and rehearsals. Tech rehearsals and performances will be unmasked.
Proof of vaccination is no longer required.
*These requirements may change at the discretion of the Phipps based on transmission rates and CDC recommendations*