Elmhurst Children's Theatre presents ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’
Elmhurst Children's Theatre’s upcoming production of the Tony Award-winning musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” is set to hit the stage at Blackhawk Middle School in Bensenville on Oct. 25-27.
This delightful musical invites audiences into a whimsical world where a record comes to life, promising a night of laughter and fun!
The original Broadway production was produced by Kevin McCollum, Roy Miller, Bob Boyett, Stephanie McClelland, Barbara Freitag, and Jill Furman.
The musical went on to win five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, as well as seven Drama Desk Awards. With music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, and a book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, “The Drowsy Chaperone” has captured the hearts of audiences around the world with its wit, charm, and memorable score.
This delightful musical comedy invites the audience into a fictitious 1928 song-and-dance performance. In this show-within-a-show, “The Man in the Chair,” a shy Broadway enthusiast, plays a recording of the fictional “The Drowsy Chaperone,” drawing everyone into the glamorous and comedic story of a celebrity bride on her wild wedding day. As he listens, the characters come to life, transforming his rundown apartment into a dazzling Broadway stage, where both the cast and audience are swept up in the magic of the performance.
Directed by Helen Knudsen, this production features a talented cast of young performers from the Elmhurst area, ranging from grades 5 to 8, alongside a creative team dedicated to delivering an engaging experience. Choreography by Nina Davalos and musical direction by Gordon Burkhart ensure a nostalgic, song-and-dance-infused performance that will captivate audiences.
Performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at Blackhawk Middle School, 250 S. Church St. in Bensenville. Tickets go on sale on Oct. 10. Visit elmhurstchildrenstheatre.com for more information.
Follow ECTShows on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe at bit.ly/ectnews to learn about upcoming productions including ECT’s annual sketch review "Unintentionally Hilarious" running its 17th season, performing Jan. 14 in Elmhurst. The ECT spring show, “Once Upon A Mattress,” will run April 25-27, 2025 at Blackhawk Middle School.
About Elmhurst Children’s Theatre
Dedicated to serving the children of Elmhurst since 1937, Elmhurst Children's Theatre provides a unique experience in all aspects of live theater by promoting a supportive and positive learning environment. Programming includes classes, productions and sketch comedy. They hire professional directors and rely on parent volunteers for help with productions. Elmhurst Children's Theatre is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization sustained through donations, participation fees, class tuition and ticket sales.
In 2023, Elmhurst Children's Theatre was pleased to announce that their 86-year-old organization signed a lease at 121 W. First St. in Elmhurst to utilize as their primary rehearsal and class space for the 2023-24 season.
For decades, Elmhurst Children’s Theatre relied on the generosity of area churches, schools and community spaces to rent space to hold their rehearsals and programming.
While the Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts continues to move forward with plans for a space for live theatre, Elmhurst Children's Theatre will continue to partner with local schools for their performances. With a new space secured and dedicated to supporting its programming and hundreds of Elmhurst children, Elmhurst Children's Theatre looks to the future and settling into its new home base, a big step forward for the organization and all who support it.