The Old Rochester Regional High School Drama Club presented “The Drowsy Chaperone” in the Old Rochester Regional High School Auditorium from April 10-13. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Sharlene Fedorowicz and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to announce that the Old Rochester Regional High School Drama Club had a successful showing of “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
From Thursday, April 10, to Sunday, April 13, the Old Rochester Regional High School Drama Club presented daily performances of “The Drowsy Chaperone” to members of the community at the Old Rochester Regional High School Auditorium.
Under the direction of Director Brayden Fanti, and Assistant Director Sarah Whinnem, this production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” featured Tessa Ripley (Class of 2028) as the Woman in Chair, Amanda Tomasso (Class of 2026) as the Drowsy Chaperone, Sienna Roveda (Class of 2025) as Janet Van De Graaf, and Calder Eaton (Class of 2025) as Robert Martin.
“‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ was one to remember, and honestly hard to let go of,” said Fanti, who is closing out his first year as the theater director for the drama club. “I love this group. Thank you for welcoming me aboard and it is my honor to call this place home. This first year and this group will always hold a spot in my theatre heart.”
The show begins with a lonely musical theatre fan known as the Woman in Chair, sitting alone in her apartment, seeking comfort in a recording of her favorite 1920s musical, known as “The Drowsy Chaperone.” As she plays the record, the show magically comes to life in her living room, transporting her and the audience into a dazzling, over-the-top Broadway spectacle.
The musical-within-a-play follows the story of glamorous stage star, Janet Van De Graaff, who plans to leave her career to marry an oil tycoon, Robert Martin. However, Janet’s producer panics, fearing financial ruin without his star performer, and he then becomes determined to sabotage her wedding. The director enlists a ditsy aspiring actress, Kitty, and two bumbling gangsters, disguised as pastry chefs, to derail the nuptials.
Meanwhile, Robert’s best man, George, tries to keep the groom focused, while Janet’s Drowsy Chaperone is supposed to do the same for her. But chaos, misunderstandings and mistaken identity then ensues as the Drowsy Chaperone character indulges in cocktails and flirtations with an over-the-top Latin lover named Aldolpho, while George arranges for Robert to go roller skating blind-folded in a garden with the goal of calming pre-wedding jitters.
Back in her apartment, the Woman in Chair interjects with witty commentary, sharing her deep love for the musical and revealing pieces of her own loneliness and longing. As the show reaches its grand wedding finale, reality seeps back in and the cast vanishes, leaving the Woman in Chair alone once more. But then the music from “The Drowsy Chaperone” swells again, reminding her — and the audience — of the power of theater to bring joy, even for those suffering in solitude.
“The Drowsy Chaperone” is a Canadian musical that first debuted in 1998. It was written by Bob Martin and Don McKellar.
“The Drowsy Chaperone” was presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International. The music and sound for the production were delivered under the direction of Musical Director Jenna Kendall and Sound Director John Farrell.
Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Sharlene Fedorowicz and Principal Michael Devoll all congratulated the cast, crew and directors on a successful of the “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
“Congratulations to the cast and crew of ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,'” said Principal Devoll. “Each year we are impressed by the talent of our drama club students. It is a pleasure to recognize them for their dedication and hard work. Bravo to all involved, and a special thanks goes to the parents of our drama students for all the support they provide.”
“I’d like to congratulate all of our stage performers, crew members and directors who really put their hearts into this production,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Fedorowicz. “Their passion, talent and skills are inspirational. They really did a great job with this play. The sets and costumes were amazing. Altogether, it was very entertaining show to see. Bravo to everyone involved.”
“On behalf of the entire school district, I want to congratulate the Old Rochester Regional High School Drama Club for its fantastic performance of ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,'” said Superintendent Nelson. “The show was a great success. All the students, staff and volunteers who were involved should know how proud we are of them. As always, I look forward to what’s in store next for the Old Rochester Regional High School Drama Club.”
Meet the Cast and Crew
The cast and crew of the Old Rochester Regional High School Drama Club’s production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” includes:
- Woman in Chair: Tessa Ripley
- Drowsy Chaperone: Amanda Tomasso
- Janet Van de Graaf: Sienna Roveda
- Robert Martin: Calder Eaton
- Aldolpho: Lincoln Fauteaux
- Mrs. Tottendale: Charlotte Cook
- Underling: Mara Donnelly
- Kitty: Kennedy McKay
- Mr. Feldzieg: Lucas Cabral
- George: Chrstian Pedulli
- Pastry Chef Gangster 1: Madison Detrani
- Pastry Chef Gangster 2: Tenley Lane
- Trix the Aviatrix: Gianna Annunziato
- Superintendent: Trillian WHite
- Ensemble: Gianna Annunziato, Trillian White, Libby Achilles, Grace Victoria and Olivia Lane
- Director: Brayden Fanti
- Assistant Director: Sarah Whinnem
- Music Director: Jenna Kendall
- Sound Director: John Farrell
- Choreographer: Jocelyn White
- Lightning Designer: Maxx Domingos
- Stage Managers: Dillon Furtado, Max Chace and Owen Osterday
- Costume Head: Clara Bonney
- Costume Crew: Clara Gouveia-Silva, Angela Palmer, Sophie Bozzo, Allison Bodeau, and Olivia Kinney
- Sound Head: Lucia Valadao
- Sound Crew: Sydney Vanasse, Nathan Perry, Giovanni DeSouza, Xavier Monteiro and Ian Hartwig
- Follow Spot: Liam Osterday, Isabel Marujo and Katelyn Fisher
- Set Head: Katherine McIlmail
- Set Crew: Rafael Duarte, Riley Ferreira, Aiden MacLeod, Raegan Corriea, Alexander Doran and Quinn Perry
- Lighting Head: Beverly Morse
- Lighting: Kaya Savaria, Austin Scully and Cole Gretton
- Cast Board: Student Reps
###
The Old Rochester Regional High School Drama Club production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” was staged under the direction of Director Brayden Fanti, and Assistant Director Sarah Whinnem. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
The production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” featured Tessa Ripley as the Woman in Chair, Calder Eaton as Robert Martin and Christian Pedulli as George. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
“The Drowsy Chaperone” is a Canadian musical that first debuted in 1998. It was written by Bob Martin and Don McKellar. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
“The Drowsy Chaperone” was presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International. The music and sound for the production were delivered under the direction of Musical Director Jenna Kendall and Sound Director John Farrell. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.