Wilbraham United Players to present 'The Drowsy Chaperone'

Date: 4/17/2015

WILBRAHAM – The Wilbraham United Players will present their spring musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” on May 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and on May 9 and 17 at 2:30 p.m. on the Fellowship Hall Stage in the Wilbraham United Church, 500 Main St.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.wilbrahamunitedplayers.com or by calling the box office 596-6117.  

Tickets are $25 for premium seating, or $20 for general admission seating with a $5 discount for students or seniors.  The show is a parody of the old-time musicals of the 1920’s with tap dancing, chorus girls, zany gangsters masquerading as bakers, and an aviatrix.

This production is directed by Deborah Trimble, with musical direction by Benjamin Mabrey and choreography by Dina Del Buono.

The story concerns a middle-aged musical theatre fan known only as “The Man in the Chair,” played by John Snow, as he plays the record of his favorite fictional production of “The Drowsy Chaperone.” While the record plays, the musical comes to life inside his apartment while he comments on the story, the music and the actors.

Trimble stated that this is the most fun musical the Players have ever produced – there’s not a sad song in the show and audiences will walk out of the theatre with smiles on their faces.  

“It’s just a smile-a-minute ... silly and funny with great tunes and hysterically funny dialogue.  We’re having a great time rehearsing for this show and we can’t wait for an audience,” Trimble said.

The Players originated in 1956 and are celebrating their 50th Main Stage production with Chaperone.  In the fall of 2016 they’ll celebrate their 60th Anniversary with a production of “The Pirates of Penzance” – returning to their roots in Gilbert and Sullivan.