Arena Dinner Theatre Presents
The Drowsy Chaperone
Music and Lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison
Book by Bob Martin & Don McKellar

The production team is seeking a cast of seven women and twelve men to bring this madcap love letter to the musical theatre to life.
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Auditions are on Sunday, April 21, and callbacks will be on Monday, April 22 at 7 pm. For the audition, please prepare 16-32 bars of any classic Broadway tune. An accompanist will be provided.

Show Summary: 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.

Characters include:

Man in the Chair - The role of the Man in the Chair has been cast and will be played by Jordan Plohr

Janet Van de Graaff - (30s) Star of Feldzieg’s Follies who is conflicted about giving up her life on the stage to marry Robert Martin. An attractive, vivacious, and outgoing personality who loves being the center of attention. She is the newest up-and-coming big Broadway star in 1928. Strong dance skills are needed. Vocal range: Alto with big belt (G3-E5)

Robert Martin - (30-40’s) The groom-to-be who is madly and deeply in love with Janet. He is the typical rich debonair & dashing 1920s leading man who spends more than half the show trying to get Janet back. He is heartfelt and deeply sincere. Must be able to tap dance and roller skate and make Janet’s heart melt when he sings to her. Vocal range: Tenor (C3 – Ab4)

The Drowsy Chaperone - (40s-50s) Janet’s alcoholic confidante who is always thinking about her next martini. An experienced “woman of the world” who couldn’t care less what the world thinks. A diva to be reckoned with who will chew the scenery whenever possible. She is a combination of all the great vocal divas like Judy Garland & Ethel Merman. Vocal range: Alto with strong belt (F3-D5)

Aldolpho - (40 - 50’s) Latin Lothario. A womanizing cad with a huge ego and is resting on his laurels as a former matinee idol ala Rudolph Valentino. He is confident in his abilities as a master thespian schooled in the big style of ACTING! Vocal range: Bass/Baritone + great falsetto (A#2-G4)

Mrs. Tottendale - (45-60) A wealthy widow and host of the wedding. She is flighty, eccentric, funny, often forgetful, and oblivious to the confusion she causes. Georgia Engel is the modern version who played it on Broadway in her signature style of Georgette as in the Mary Tyler Moore show. Vocal range: Alto character voice (G3-Db5)

Underling - (50s-60’s) Mrs. Tottendale’s unflappable British butler and manservant. He is stoic, dry-humored, and very sarcastic. The ability to throw away a line is a must! He and Mrs. Tottendale end up together. A little tap dancing talent is a plus and the ability to tolerate many spit takes. Tenor character voice (Ab2-G4)

Mr. Feldzieg - (40s-60s) The harried producer who will do anything to stop the wedding in order to keep Janet in the Follies. He is nervous, sarcastic, impatient, overbearing, and insensitive. Vocal range: Baritone (Db3-Db4)

Kitty- (30s) The 1920s the dumb blonde chorine who is not so dumb. She is Mr. Feldzieg’s longtime girlfriend and longs to be a leading lady but maybe isn’t talented enough. A cross between Norma Cassady from “Victor Victoria” (see Leslie Anne Warren) and Lena Lamont from “Singing in the Rain.” Vocal range: Soprano comedic belt (Bb3-F5)

George - (30s-40s) Robert’s anxious best friend and best man. He is loyal, sincere, nervous, and not the smartest tool in the shed. Makes looking out for Robert’s interests his top priority so that the wedding will come off without a hitch. Must be able to tap. Vocal range: Tenor (F3-Bb4)

Gangsters 1 & 2 - (30s-50s) Two somewhat threatening and jovial gangsters who are posing as pastry chefs. Typical 1920s Broadway gangsters full of "wordplay and stylized vaudeville movements." Good comic timing and dancing skills are required. Vocal range: Tenor (Db3-Gb4)

Trix the Aviatrix - (35-50) The brave and brash female aviator. She is very sassy and a take-charge kind of gal. Trix must be able to command the stage with her voice and presence. Vocal range: Alto (Ab3-Eb5)

Ensemble - (20s-50s) A strong, dancing/singing ensemble consisting of two women and two men who play maids, butlers, reporters, monkeys….etc. Lots of fun acting challenges with multiple characters. Vocal range women and men: Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass

Rehearsals will begin the week of April 29 and will typically be Monday-Friday 7 pm-10 pm. Some Sunday rehearsals might be called. Please have all conflicts at the time of auditions. ​

Performances are scheduled for June 13 & 20 at 7:30 pm, June 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, & 29 at 8 pm, and June 23 at 2 pm