HDA’s “The Drowsy Chaperone” Will Keep Audiences Wide Awake

Though Calderone has never seen the show in person, he had “heard of it and word was that it was very funny, had a big cast, and the music was catchy.” Calderone acknowledges that “not too many” people know of the show, but that does not intimidate him. “That way, people don't come in with expectations having seen it at another school or theater,” he explained. The number of roles also made the show an appealing choice. “Since there are 14 named characters, everyone gets a moment to shine,” Calderone said. Nia McKeithen ’26, the actress playing Janet, a lead role, described the show as a “super over the top, animated, grand, and overall good-time musical.” Michael Mfuko ’27, who plays George, appreciates the joviality of the show: “It’s meant to be silly and over the top.” 

“The Drowsy Chaperone” transports audiences to settings that take place in time periods that are decades apart. To accentuate the location and time changes, the tech crew has been working on complicated scenic pieces. Technical Director David Kenton said, “We are building six periaktoi, which are three-sided” triangular prisms “that rotate to feature three different settings within the show,” including “an apartment in the 1980s” and “a grand estate in the 1920s.” Kenton explained the importance of these scenic elements: “The periaktoi can become different places while building technically only one unit.” Other components will also be important to creating the distinct settings, with Kenton noting that “a lot of the costume elements will help to transport” the audience through time.

Beyond switching between vastly differing locations, “The Drowsy Chaperone” also employs a variety of dance styles that actors will have to perfect. “I am going to have to learn to tap dance” for the “Cold Feets” number, “but I am excited,” shared Mfuko. Ensemble member Marleigh Seluga ’28 is looking forward to the “Show Off” number, which includes “a couple of more complicated ballet steps.” Show Off will also include elements beyond just dance. McKeithen said feats will include “solving a Rubik’s cube, doing speed origami,” and performing “yo-yo tricks.” 

The cast and crew will have to polish many aspects of the show before revealing their work to the public. McKeithen explained how much effort goes into each scene: “There are a lot of moving parts in every single number. Since this show is very big and grand in all of its songs, the choreography, singing, set, and even the costumes are all deeply involved in every motion.” The amount of effort needed for these scenes can be stressful for the actors. “As with any musical, there are worries about the fact that we have a lot of large song and dance numbers,” Jack Beauclair ’27, who plays the supporting role of Adolpho, said. Despite the amount of work required, he trusts “that this cast will be able to pull it off.”

As the performances approach, the cast reflects on what they want the audience to take away. Calderone expects viewers to admire the amount of effort the cast and crew puts in: “As always, we want the audience to enjoy the show, but I want people to walk away appreciating how hard the students work to express the absolute joy of theater.” Others anticipate that the comedic aspect of the show will strongly connect with members of the audience. “I hope they leave the show having laughed a lot,” stated Beauclair. Mfuko echoed this sentiment, hoping  “the audience comes away from the show feeling happy” because “there is a lot going on in the world, and sometimes there needs to be moments of sun.” 

The cast and crew continue to work hard in preparation for the upcoming performances. With complicated dance steps from a variety of styles, carefully designed scenic pieces, and a pair of roller skates, HDA looks to impress their audience. Calderone eagerly anticipates the viewers’ reactions: “It’s really going to raise the roof!”