Big Noise Theater Company presents 'Drowsy Chaperone'
Big Noise Theater Company presents its spring production, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, April 22-May 15, at Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines.
The Man in Chair, a Broadway fanatic seeking to cure his “nonspecific sadness,” listens to a recording of a fictional 1928 musical comedy, “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
Out of his record player and onto the stage the characters magically appear, transforming his dingy apartment into an over-the-top Broadway musical, with sparkling furniture, painted backdrops, glitzy costumes, a drunken chaperone and a gay wedding.
This production is proud to have the talents of Rick Paul, a nationally known set designer celebrating his 40th year in the business. Paul was the set designer for the world premiere of “Grease,” produced by Chicago's Kingston Mines Theatre Company, which opened Feb. 5, 1971.
His home is a treasure trove of movie and musical theater memorabilia, full of records and programs of shows dating back to his own childhood when he used to sneak into theaters downtown at intermission.
Designing “Drowsy” is so true to his own life, he owns almost all of the set decorations in his own home.
“To be honest, I am Man in Chair,” Paul said during a rehearsal for “Drowsy.”
Like the shows main character, Paul's music all comes from stacks of records. His vast knowledge of the Broadway and music theater scene inspires the cast and crew to find the magic he sees in every show he has ever worked on in his 40 years.
If you go
‘The Drowsy Chaperone,' Fridays-Sundays, April 22-May 15, at Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines
Ÿ Showtimes: 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Additional matinee at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30; no show Sunday, April 24
Ÿ Tickets: $23 general admission; $21 for ages 65 and older; $16 for kids
Ÿ (847) 604-0275; www.ovationtix.com; www.bignoise.org
Cast and crew
Director: Melissa Young, Chicago
Musical director: Robert Deason, Chicago
Choreography: Nancy Flaster, Glencoe; Ann Fink, Chicago
Producer: Daiva Paulis, Chicago
Assistant Director: Jesse Pierce, Chicago
Set design: Rick Paul, Wilmette
Starring: Mark Anderson, Winnetka; Alexis Armstrong, Glencoe; Sarah Blevins, Streamwood; Mary Campbell, Palatine; Peter Durkin, Elmwood Park; David Geinosky, Elk Grove Village; Marian Kaderbek, Chicago; Mark Komiskey, Vernon Hills; Mark Kosten, Franklin Park; Levi Lawson, Chicago; Alex McCrary, Chicago; Laura Merchut, Morton Grove; Amanda Nianick, Long Grove; P.J. Samorian, Chicago; Cory Stonebrook, Chicago; Peter Verdico, Wood Dale; Carrie Weis, Schaumburg