BWW Stage Mag The Drowsy Chaperone - Gaslight Theatre Stage Mag

 

 
The Drowsy Chaperone
at Gaslight Theatre
 

Music & Lyrics by

LISA LAMBERT and GREG MORRISON

Book by

BOB MARTIN and DON MCKELLAR

 
Directed by Renae Perry
Choreography by Lindsey Newell and Zoey Resler
 

Original Broadway production of The Drowsy Chaperone produced by Kevin McCollum, Roy Miller, Bob Boyett, Stephanie McClelland, Barbara Freitag and Jill Furman.

 
Generously Sponsored By Park Avenue Thrift
 
The Drowsy Chaperone

Is presented through special arrangement with

Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

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Setting

A New York City Apartment

 

There will be one 15-minute intermission

 


 

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is STRICTLY prohibited

 

Please remember to silence your cellphones and devices for the performance.

 


 

CAUTION:

this production uses moving and flashing lighting effects which may affect photosensitive viewers. 

Sponsors

Cast

Keegan Zimmerman
Man in Chair
Mary Aiaka Kent
Mrs Tottendale; US Drowsy Chaperone
Scott Garnand
Underling
Jacob Ebersole
Robert Martin
Lee McDaniel
George
Curtis Crandall
Feldzeig/ US Man in Chair
Brooke Phillips
Kitty
Evan Goodner
Gangster #1
Reed Bonge
Gangster #2
Bailey Bovenschen
Aldolpho
Julius Cundiff
Janet Van De Graaff
Brooke Howard
The Drowsy Chaperone
Dominique Cannon
Trix, the Aviatrix
Venson Fields
Super; Ensemble
Vivy Bobo
Ensemble
Kaylee Hervey
Ensemble
Ashley McConnell
Ensemble/US Kitty
Catina Ley Sundvall
Ensemble; US Tottendale

Creative Team

Renae Perry

Director

Lindsey Newell

Choreographer

Zoey Resler

Choreographer

Heather Palmer

Stage Manager

Abby Crandall

Assistant Stage Manager

Raylee Garnand

Assistant Stage Manager

Sydney Cross

Props Crew

Spencer Peck or Hyeon-Soo Peck

Sound Technician

Whitney Hall

Lighting Coordinator

David Bennett

Set building

Meet the Company

Keegan Zimmerman

Man in Chair
Keegan has been performing in the OKC theater scene for 18 years and has been featured in productions such as Medusa Undone with 3rd Act Theater Co., Laughter on the 23rd Floor with Pollard Theatre Co., Company of Wayward Saints with Jewel Box Theatre, Charley's Aunt with Jewel Box Theatre, and The Lifespan of a Fact with Carpenter Square Theatre. This is his first time appearing onstage at Gaslight Theatre, and he is thrilled to be joining this group of talented artists to bring to life one of his favorite musicals of all time. He would like to thank his partner and favorite character Brooke, The Drowsy Chaperone for joining him on the trek to Enid every rehearsal to tell this fun and charming story! A huge thank you to his family for always cheering him on through his wild artistic endeavors, and best friends Kassy and Josh for their unending support.

Mary Aiaka Kent

Mrs Tottendale; US Drowsy Chaperone
Mary Aiaka was last seen as Mrs Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. She attended OSU majoring in theatre/dance a loooong time ago. She is excited to be in such a fun show with so many new and talented cast members and friends! Thank you to Renae for sharing her musical/vocal knowledge. Her vocal coach Tara for improving her voice , her hubby and kids for supporting her and surviving while she was at rehearsal. See her next directing Rose Red and Snow White, the children’s theatre show in March 2026.

Scott Garnand

Underling
I am excited to be entrusted with the role of Underling. The Gaslight has become a second home in recent years and I am loving the chance to dust of my vocal and dancing abilities. I want to thank my wife and daughters who have supported me in this, the cast who are amazingly talented, Lindsay and Zoey who have reminded me of my love of dance, and of course Renee who has given me this wonderful opportunity.

Jacob Ebersole

Robert Martin
Jacob is extremely exited to join the cast of The Drowsy Chaperone in his Gaslight debut. Jacob is a freshman Marketing major at UCO but has loved theater since high school. Jacob would like to thank Gaslight, his cast mates, his directors, and his girlfriend for supporting him in this show!

Lee McDaniel

George
Lee McDaniel is thrilled to be a part of his third production at Gaslight Theatre as George in the Drowsy Chaperone! This is his biggest role yet and he is nothing short of honored and humbled to play the part. Lee wants to thank his loving and supportive parents, Christopher and Lorinda, and his wonderful fiancée, Rhylie, for being his rock through these long nights.

Curtis Crandall

Feldzeig/ US Man in Chair
Curtis is thrilled to be back on The Gaslight stage again. He was last seen as The Policeman in “The Great Gatsby”. This is his fifth musical endeavor, his last musical was “Once” playing Da. He’d like to thank Renae for casting him in this amazing show, his cast mates for making this an unforgettable experience, and his wife and daughter for their support, love and assistance.

Brooke Phillips

Kitty
Brooke is going to be a junior this semester at Oklahoma State University as a BFA Acting major with an emphasis on musical theatre. You might have seen her in her most recent production at OSU playing Claire Ganz in the comedy play by Neil Simon. She’s been doing shows at Gaslight since she was 4 years old. Her goal is to eventually be on Broadway or star in film and TV. She has enjoyed every aspect of this show and playing Kitty is such a fun experience! Big shoutout to her grandmothers Sally and Kathy for always believing her, and to her Papa Bill & Lynn for supporting her in her acting journey.

Evan Goodner

Gangster #1
Evan is excited to make his Gaslight theater debut. Evan is a recent alumni of Stillwater high school, where he has been in several shows, including Once Upon a Mattress, Curtains, Fools, Matilda, and The Addams family. He also recently appeared in Town and Gown’s Into the Woods. Some of his notable roles include Sydney Bernstein, Bruce Bogtrotter, and Cousin ITT. Evan will be attending The University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theater. Evan would like to give a special shout out to his close friends, who have always kept him going. They’ve been the wind at his back for so long, and he can’t imagine a life without them.

Reed Bonge

Gangster #2
Reed Bonge is thrilled to making his Gaslight Theatre debut in this incredible show! He’s a Stillwater native and is attending OSU for Theatre with a minor in Psychology. He’d love to thank the Enid community for being so welcoming and the director, Renae, for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing cast. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Bailey Bovenschen

Aldolpho
Bailey Bovenschen is so excited to be performing in her first Gaslight Theatre show! And as the one and only king of romance himself no less *wink*. Bailey holds degrees in musical theatre and vocal performance from Oklahoma City University (Bachelors) and Oklahoma State University (Masters). Some of her favorite roles she has performed as are Prince Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus), The Witch (Into the Woods), and Morticia Addams (The Addams Family). When she isn’t prepping for shows, Bailey loves making hardcover books from scratch and writing DnD lore for her many (MANY) characters.

Julius Cundiff

Janet Van De Graaff
Julius is extremely excited to make their community theatre debut in The Drowsy Chaperone at the Gaslight Theatre! Some of their favorite roles include "Miss Honey" in Matilda, "Nostradamus" in Something Rotten Jr., and most recently "Wednesday" in The Addams Family. Julius just graduated from Stillwater High School and is attending the University of Central Oklahoma this fall and majoring in musical theatre. Julius would like to thank their friends and family for always supporting them and Renae for being a great director (and for driving the Stillwater people to and from Enid every day.)

Brooke Howard

The Drowsy Chaperone
Brooke is happy to be treading the boards of the Gaslight Theatre for the first time, and to be joining this wonderful cast of talented actors! She has performed previously in Rose State theatre productions such as Titanic the musical, A wonderful Life, The Addams Family musical, as well as Noises Off. Outside of Rose state Brooke has performed with The Pollard Theatre in The Little Mermaid, 3rd Act Theatre in Eat, Slay, Leave, and Jewel Box Theatre's production of Charley's Aunt. Now a days when she’s not at rehearsal she's making people absolutely fabulous at The Cutting Floor Salon in Yukon Oklahoma. Brooke would like to thank her friends, her partner Keegan Zimmerman, and of course the fur babies at home who have given many a cuddle on an exhausted evening post rehearsal.

Dominique Cannon

Trix, the Aviatrix
As a band, choir, and drama kid, Dominique's earliest memories are filled with the arts! While gaining her degree in Non-Profit Management, she was on vocal scholarship through the OSU opera program. One of her proudest moments was placing third in the National Opera Association as Rinaldo in her graduate performance of "Rinaldo". Her love for theatre blossomed through her many years (2016-present) at Town & Gown, and now she is ECSTATIC to be making her debut at Gaslight! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Venson Fields

Super; Ensemble
Venson Fields was born and raised in Enid, Oklahoma and has appeared in many Gaslight Theatre productions as well as with the Enid Symphony. He is a huge fan of The Arts, be it visual, audio, or performance. "One thing I really enjoy with every show is I always meet new and interesting people. Theatre people are the best."

Vivy Bobo

Ensemble
Vivy is so pumped to make her community theatre debut in The Drowsy Chaperone at the Gaslight Theatre! She has previously been in Stardust as "Stella" and The Addams Family as "Alice". Vivy just graduated from Stillwater High School and will be attending UCO for music education in the fall! Vivy wants to thank her family, friends, and teachers for always supporting her!

Kaylee Hervey

Ensemble
This is Kaylee's second production at the Gaslight Theatre. Kaylee loves performing and loves musicals.

Ashley McConnell

Ensemble/US Kitty
After a year long break, Ashley is beyond excited to be back on the Gaslight stage. Last seen in Spamalot, Ashley has been a part of the Gaslight family for almost 6 years both on and behind stage. She is grateful to be working with this amazing team of actors and directors and thanks you for coming to support the arts!

Catina Ley Sundvall

Ensemble; US Tottendale
Catina is excited to be a part of this production. She is an Air Force veteran and retired counselor. She directed the Gaslight Teens in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and was last on stage in The Book of Will.

Renae Perry

Director
Renae Perry - Director Renae Perry can't think of a more creative word than "thrilled" to describe the emotion she experiences when considering her Gaslight Theatre directorial debut. Renae was born, raised, and currently resides in Stillwater, where she is a frequent director, actor, and sound designer at Town & Gown Theatre. She served as president of the Town & Gown board of directors from 2021-2023, and has directed four productions: The Addams Family, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Doubt: A Parable, and The Drowsy Chaperone. Her Gaslight stage debut was as Réza in ONCE in 2023, and she looks forward to more opportunities to be a part of Enid's wonderful and welcoming theatre community. Renae is extremely grateful to this phenomenal cast and crew for collaborating with her on this hilarious and touching show!

Lindsey Newell

Choreographer
Lindsey Newell - Choreographer And now for something completely different... Last seen as Lizzy in "Pride & Prejudice", Lindsey is thrilled to tread the boards as co-choreographer. A dancer since her youth, this is her first time choreographing a musical and she couldn't have asked for a more fun show or cast and creative team to work with. In her downtime that doesn't actually exist she is an actor/writer/producer/creator of the YouTube channel Maven of Mess and Matrescence series. "Thank you to the cast, crew, and creative team for your talents, work, and patience as I also learn a new skill. Thank you to my family for your support while I work, especially my loves, Ryan and The Bean!"

Zoey Resler

Choreographer
Zoey is delighted to choreograph for Drowsy Chaperone after a creative hiatus since 2016. Most recently, she was seen on stage in The Great Gatsby. She has choreographed for Spam-A-Lot, Hello Dolly! and The Jungle Book with Old Town Playhouse and New Bern Civic Theatre.

Heather Palmer

Stage Manager
Heather Palmer - Stage Manager Heather did her very first musical at Gaslight Theatre way back in 1998, when she ran follow spot for George M. A long-time Gaslight volunteer and supporter, Heather has worked just about every job backstage and even made it on stage a few times. Her most recent theatrical work includes heading up the Gaslight's Sales and Marketing Committee, directing 2018's Our Town, and making more props than you can shake a fake fish at. Having taken a hiatus from stage managing, Heather is happy to be back and supporting Renae with her big Gaslight directorial debut!

Abby Crandall

Assistant Stage Manager
Abby Crandall - Assistant Stage Manager Abby is excited to be a part of the crew of The Drowsy Chaperone! This is Abby's first show as assistant Stage Manager. Abby is a recent graduate of Enid High School and will be pursuing a degree in Music Therapy at West Texas A&M University. Abby wants to thank Heather, Renae, the cast and crew, her mom, and her dad.q

Raylee Garnand

Assistant Stage Manager
Raylee Garnand - Assistant Stage Manager Raylee Garnand is a sophomore to be at Enid High School, and is thrilled to be an assistant stage manager for The Drowsy Chaperone! She has a deep passion for theatre in all its forms and adores musicals above all else. Raylee would like to thank Renae and Heather for this amazing opportunity; she is truly grateful. This production has been an unforgettable experience that will stay with her forever!!

Sydney Cross

Props Crew
Sydney Cross - Props Crew Sydney created silly little props and anything as needed.

Whitney Hall

Lighting Coordinator
Whitney Hall - Lighting Coordinator Whitney is delighted to work with Renae Perry, this production’s wonderful director, after previously lighting her during Once. She was last found in the tech booth for Great Gatsby and will return for the September production of Shakespeare’s King Lear. Whitney is most impressed by this cast’s presentation of Drowsy Chaperone and hopes you enjoy it as much as she has!

David Bennett

Set building
I have been designing and building sets for the all school musical at Muskogee High School for over 20 years. I have also assisted at Town and Gown theatre occasionally. Building is a passion of mine and a way to creatively contribute to live theatre since I can’t sing or dance. My wife and I are retiring within the year and we are going to enjoy each other and having the time for slow travel.

Spencer Peck or Hyeon-Soo Peck

Sound Technician
Spencer Peck or Hyeon-Soo Peck - Sound Technician Hyeon-Soo is excited to join this amazing cast and crew! He has been working in technical theater for one year and has had the privilege of collaborating with Oklahoma StoryWorks during their run of "Madsy Her Book" and at the 24-hour play event. Additionally, Hyeon-Soo worked with Sooner Theatre during their production of "Cats the Musical," where he operated the spotlight. He also contributed to Beautiful City Productions during their runs of "Godspell," where he handled Q-Lab duties, and he is currently serving as the stage manager for their production of "Prince of Egypt." Hyeon-Soo plans to attend the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), where he will major in Theatre and Theatre Design.

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Donors

Thank you to our sponsor!

Park Avenue Thrift


Additional thanks to

Town & Gown Theatre 

Enid Symphony Orchestra

Skatetown • Enid Chautauqua 

Kline Sign LLC  • Rick’s Pharmacy

Jezebel’s Emporium and Tea Room

Charles Mechanical

Carmen Ball • Chloe Cavins

Christianne Chase • Megan Crawford

Violet Crawford • James Hunt

Mary Aiaka Kent • Sheri Kline • Matt Palmer 

Charlet Ringwald• Catina Sundvall

Sydney Weiser • Philip Whitaker

Brittanie Cannon  • Teagan Cavins  •  Marie Basler

From the Director

 

I hate Star Wars. Let me explain.

 

I did not engage with the original Star Wars trilogy much in my youth. Throughout my late adolescence and adulthood, loved ones have tried, in vain, to show me the films. I’ve watched perplexed as they’ve stayed invested and enthralled with the content, assuring me every fifteen-or-so minutes that, “oh, this next part is SO GOOD.”  To me, that never seems to be the case. I get hung up on the fact that the special effects are so weak in comparison to today’s technology, and, although the story is fine, the plot twists are so well-spoiled in our culture that the “big reveal” moments have no impact on me whatsoever.

 

Nostalgia is a powerful drug. When we read a book, listen to a recording, or watch a movie that we initially encountered in the past, it brings up powerful emotions. These emotions offer us a filter through which we experience the media– we are able to place it in its original context or the context in which we first encountered it, and then judge it accordingly. Indeed, through the filter of nostalgia, the special effects in Star Wars are extremely compelling. The plot twists elicit the shock viewers experienced when they first encountered them, unspoiled by the outside world. When we can mentally place Star Wars in the time it was created, or in a time in our lives wherein we had a greater sense of wonder, it becomes clear why it is a masterpiece.

 

What do we do, then, when the media hasn’t aged well? How do we navigate the inevitable cognitive dissonance nostalgia creates when we share something from our past with people who don’t have or share our context? These questions create a conflict that the authors of this show have artfully captured through the voice of “Man in Chair.” In The Drowsy Chaperone, we observe the (occasionally offensive) tropes in musicals from the first half of the 20th century, pieced together to create the fictional cast recording that “Man” shares with us. His tendency to downplay, over-explain, or dismiss aspects of the production– his struggle with nostalgia’s cognitive dissonance– is both relatable and deeply vulnerable. I hope that our audiences find The Drowsy Chaperone not only hilarious, but moving in its portrayal of a man who leans on nostalgia’s distinct emotional power when he’s feeling “blue.”

 

I would be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to mention my abundant gratitude to this incredible cast and crew for working with me to bring this show to life at The Gaslight. I could not have asked for a better team, and I’m extremely proud of the work we’ve all done together. Heather, our stage manager, and Lindsey and Zoey, our choreographers, poured countless hours into this production, and we are all better for having had the opportunity to work with these amazing women.

 

Enjoy the Show!

Renae Perry, Director

 

About the Authors

Lisa Lambert's stage credits include: The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Awards); Big Rosemary (book by Blake Edwards); Cole Escola: First Gay President (Duplex Cabaret); Stars of David (DR2 Theater); The Ant and the Elephant (Work Light Productions); Honest Ed:The Bargain Musical (Poor Alex Theater); and several shows for The Fringe of Toronto Festival and Second City.

For film and television: Slings & ArrowsSensitive SkinMichael Tuesdays and ThursdaysHighway 61BlueThe Boy Who Smells Like Fish (Rhombus Media); Skippy's RangersThe Show They Never GaveThe Joe Blow Show (Comedy Network); Portrait of a Serial Monogamist (directed by John Mitchell); Pete's Christmas (ABC TV); Getting Along Famously (CBC TV); Pippi Longstocking (Nelvana Ltd.); Battery's Down; and Skinnamarink TV.

Upcoming: Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day (music by Greg Morrison, book by Robert Harling); and a film adaptation of The Drowsy Chaperone.

 

Greg Morrison U.S. Credits: The Drowsy Chaperone (Center Theatre Group, Ahmanson Theatre; NAMT's 2004 Festival of New Musicals). Canadian Credits: Composer/musical director for Hello...Hello (Tarragon Theatre_; Pochsy's Lips; Oh, Baby; Citizen Pochsy an Pochsy Unplugged (Toronto Fringe, Canadian/U.S. tours); The Drowsy Chaperone (Toronto Fringe, Theatre Passe Muraille, Mirvish Production, Winter Garden Theatre, Toronto); Mump and Smoot in Something Else (Canadian Stage, Yale Repertory Theatre); Mump and Smoot in Flux (Canadian Stage); An Awkward Evening With Martin & Johnson (Tim Sims Playhouse); The Age of Dorian (Artword Theatre). TV sonwriter credits: "Slings and Arrows" (Rhombus Media for Showcase/Sundance), "Getting Along Famously" (CBC), "The Joe Blow Show" (Comedy Network). Other: musical director for the Secon City National Touring Company, Alumni Café (Tim Sims Playhouse), "The Chumps and the Muchrakers" (CBC Radio). 

 

BOB MARTIN has been working as an actor and writer in Canadian theatre, film and television for over 3 decades. He has had a long association with the Toronto Second City, where he co-wrote and performed in four Second City revues, directed three, and had a stint as Artistic Director. He is a co-creator of The Drowsy Chaperone, and has performed in many of its incarnations including Ahmanson Theatre (Los Angeles), Marquis Theatre (Broadway), Novello (London). Bob has won a number of awards for his work including an LA Drama Critics Circle Award, an L.A. Stage Alliance Ovation Award, a Drama Desk Award, a Theatre World Award, and a Tony Award. He is also co-creator of the critically acclaimed dramatic series Slings & Arrows. Recent TV projects include Michael: Tuesdays and Thursdays I & II (CBC), Sensitive Skin I & II (HBO), and Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas (NBC). Recent theatre projects include Elf (Broadway), Minsky's (Ahmanson LA), and in dev., Gotta DanceThe Sting, and Millions. Bob reunited with Elf collaborators Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin to create the new musical The Prom, which ran on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre and was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

 

Don McKellar was born on 17th August 1963 in Toronto, Canada. Beginning his career in the theatre at a young age McKellar co-founded Childs Play Theatre, and went on to study English and theatre at the University of Toronto.  In 1989, he co-founded the Augusta Company with Daniel Brooks and Tracy Wright, then moved into feature films writing the screenplay for Bruce McDonald's film 'Roadkill' (1989). 

McKellar has continually collaborated on and produced engaging and provocative work in film, TV and theatre - whether acting, writing, directing or all three.  He made his directorial debut in 1992 with two short films, 'Blue' (starring David Cronenberg) and 'Bloody Nose', then in 1998 completed 'Last Night', his feature directing debut (which he also wrote and4 starred in), for which he won the Prix de la Jeunesse at the Cannes Film Festival.  He continued directing with his TV series 'Michael: Tuesdays and Thursdays' in 2012 and is currently working on a remake of La Grande Séduction'.

He has numerous screenwriting credits to his name including the screen adaptation of 'Blindness' from Nobel Prize–winning author José Saramago's novel, co-writing the critically acclaimed 'Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould', 'Red Violin' and Bruce McDonald's early films 'Roadkill' and 'Highway 61'.

Particularly memorable for his acting roles as anti-hero,TV-watching agoraphobic Curtis in 2 seasons of 'Twitch City', voicing the character 'Jack' in 5 seasons of Odd Job Jack and as pretentious theatre director Darren Nicholls in 'Slings and Arrows'. McKellar has even covered the musical genre with his co-written play 'The Drowsy Chaperone' which won him a Tony Award, touring Toronto, London and New York and currently has plans to create another musical.

 

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