“The Drowsy Chaperone”: Under the spotlight

By Valentina Gudino and Dana Fillinger

This fall, San Marin’s musical theater program came into the Performing Arts Center to showcase their musical: “The Drowsy Chaperone”.

“The Drowsy Chaperone”, a Canadian musical written by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, follows the story of a middle-aged man known as “man in the chair”, who is looking for a resolution to his sadness by listening to the vinyl soundtrack of his favorite musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone”. The Broadway musical has been nominated for various Broadway awards, including Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score.

Sophomore Ruby Hudlow performed in the musical as a co-lead; she has been doing musical theater since she was six years old. Hudlow appreciates that musical theater has allowed her to meet groups of people who have turned into friends.

“People are kind and welcoming in theater; every friendship I have now is because of musical theater,” Hudlow said.

Leading up to the play, the performers put a lot of time into their rehearsals.

“We have rehearsal 10 hours a week. We first started with learning the music and harmonies, and then we worked on the dances and put it all together,” Hudlow said.

Although Hudlow has performed in musicals before attending San Marin, this is the first major role that she has played.

“This is one of the top three shows I’ve ever done,” Hudlow said. “I’m most excited to show people what [musical theater students] are capable of – everyone is really talented.”

Junior Nathan Beaudette has been doing musical theater since third grade, and played the role of Robert Martin in “The Drowsy Chaperone”. He started his theatrical journey with Rhythms Performing Arts and has continued performing ever since. Beaudette hoped to have more student attendees at the show.

Sophomore Story Kushner performed as lead Janet Van De Graaff. Kushner shared the preparation that led up to the whole production.

“There are lots and lots of rehearsals and many moving parts to the show,” Kushner said.

Kushner related the story of “The Drowsy Chaperone” to her own life, as she has struggled with mental health in the past.

“I believe that this show brought me out of that darkness,” Kushner said.

Kushner recognized the importance of companionship throughout the process of the musical.

“The main thing that it takes in a group effort like this, in a cast, is to look out for other people,” Kushner said.

Over 20 teachers and parents worked to prepare for the musical; San Marin’s Music Coordinator Allison McIvor directed the music and orchestra.

“It’s a huge production, so there are tons of people involved,” McIvor said.

McIvor depended on the tech crew so that she could hear what was happening backstage throughout the musical. McIvor believes communication is crucial to have the musical run thoroughly.

“Everybody has to be in sync throughout the entire auditorium,” McIvor said.

These performers have many more shows planned for the future, including “Mamma Mia!”, which debuts next semester.