Reviewed by Lia Tremblay
Swift Creek Mill Theatre has finally reopened after a lengthy renovation to the historic building they call home (more on that later). When artistic director Tom Width addressed the audience before the Saturday night performance, he said The Drowsy Chaperone was the perfect show to kick things off because it’s such a big production.
He wasn’t kidding. Within the first few minutes of the show, the theatre’s cozy little stage was bursting with eigtheen performers, backed by an eight-piece orchestra. What a comeback!
The story begins with a man in his apartment, merrily enjoying his collection of old records. He addresses the audience like old friends, explaining why one record in particular – the original recording of a stage musical called The Drowsy Chaperone – is his very favorite. As the music plays and he enthuses about his memories of the show, its characters burst forth before our eyes, merging his modest kitchen with the stage in his memory.
Throughout the show, we are drawn into the musical as he remembers it, and then back to our record-collecting friend when he pauses to reflect on any number of things—some gossip about the actors, the hilariously inane lyrics of a particular song, or his irritation with a ringing phone that threatens his reverie.
Richard Koch is absolute perfection in this role, bubbling over with excitement about the production as he recalls it, while also dipping into moments of melancholy that hint at the troubles he must be trying to escape through his record player.
The musical within the play is a delightfully dizzying spectacle, with hilariously over-the-top crooning, flawlessly timed comedy, dazzling choreography and seamless set design. Throughout the show, I wondered how that stage could possibly hold so many perfectly moving parts.
Bigger than any of this was the laughter. Audience members were doubled over in their seats, unselfconsciously snorting at the quips that just kept coming. At intermission, the refreshments table was surrounded by delighted guests trading memorable lines over coffee and petit fours.
There was not a disappointing performance in the bunch, but the standouts were Georgia Rogers Farmer (as the pleasantly ditzy Kitty), Matt Shofner (as the confident but confused Adolpho) and Nicole Oberleitner (as the drowsy chaperone herself). David Janeski and Evan Nasteff were also expertly vaudevillian as the pastry-wielding gangsters.
Oh, and the renovations! Width advised guests to “go pee at some point tonight—you can actually turn around in the bathrooms now.” An elevator, a ramped entrance and extra room in the front row make the theatre accessible to guests with disabilities—no small feat for a building that’s more than 300 years old.
Congratulations to Swift Creek Mill Theatre on an impressive renovation, and a triumphant return to your delighted audience. Bravo!
The Drowsy Chaperone runs through November 21 at Swift Creek Mill. For tickets and showtimes, go here: The Drowsy Chaperone or call 804-748-5203.
