The Drowsy Chaperone
at Northwood

Reviewed on February 11, 2016

Gabby Romero
Santa Margarita Catholic
Submitted for publication to OC Register

A lively and vibrant Drowsy Chaperone

Northwood High School's production of The Drowsy Chaperone is a rousing comedy that both honors and pokes fun at the theater industry. The story depicts a fictitious play from the 1920's about two lovers preparing for a wedding and all the ridiculous events that follow, narrated by a man in present day in his own apartment. With a talented cast and accomplished technical design, Northwood provides an entertaining commentary on show business.

Narrating the story is Justin Lee as the Man in Chair. His friendly and engaging disposition is evident as he passionately discusses his love for theatre with impressive comedic timing. Lee's commendable performance as the Man in Chair not only adds more humor to the show, but also bridges the gap between the fictional 1928 perfomance in his apartment and the audience in the present.

The bride-to-be Janet Van De Graaff, played by Katherine Paladichuk, demonstrates the conflict between continuing her career as a successful actress and becoming a wife. Janet's background as an actress is consistent in every moment of the show, especially in the number "Show Off", where she claims that she is done with show business while she does the splits and other dramatic stunts.

Opposite Janet is her adoring fiancé Robert Martin, played by Anthony Cervero. Cervero performs with consistent energy as he rollerskates blindfolded and stubbornly upholds the tradition of not seeing his bride on their wedding day. His vocal ability is strong, particularly when he performs an impressive tap dance routine without faltering as he sings about his pre-wedding jitters in "Cold Feets".

The technical aspects of the show excellently complement the performance on stage. The props, designed by Samantha Boyarsky, display an incredible attention to detail. Whether it be the intricate designs of the record sleeves or the real food sitting in the Man in Chair's fridge, the props elevate the story and make the idea of a Broadway performance in a man's apartment seem realistic.

Serena Junejo's costume design stays true to the time period and highlights the vibrancy of the production. The juxtaposition between Janet's light, feminine outfits and The Drowsy Chaperone's vivid and bold costumes elevates the contrast between the two characters.

With a hilarious and talented cast and strong, skilled technical design, Northwood High School's production of The Drowsy Chaperone provides a comedic and heartwarming story honoring the theatre industry.

Gabby Romero
Santa Margarita Catholic
Submitted for publication to OC Register

A lively and vibrant Drowsy Chaperone

Northwood High School's production of The Drowsy Chaperone is a rousing comedy that both honors and pokes fun at the theater industry. The story depicts a fictitious play from the 1920's about two lovers preparing for a wedding and all the ridiculous events that follow, narrated by a man in present day in his own apartment. With a talented cast and accomplished technical design, Northwood provides an entertaining commentary on show business.

Narrating the story is Justin Lee as the Man in Chair. His friendly and engaging disposition is evident as he passionately discusses his love for theatre with impressive comedic timing. Lee's commendable performance as the Man in Chair not only adds more humor to the show, but also bridges the gap between the fictional 1928 perfomance in his apartment and the audience in the present.

The bride-to-be Janet Van De Graaff, played by Katherine Paladichuk, demonstrates the conflict between continuing her career as a successful actress and becoming a wife. Janet's background as an actress is consistent in every moment of the show, especially in the number "Show Off", where she claims that she is done with show business while she does the splits and other dramatic stunts.

Opposite Janet is her adoring fiancé Robert Martin, played by Anthony Cervero. Cervero performs with consistent energy as he rollerskates blindfolded and stubbornly upholds the tradition of not seeing his bride on their wedding day. His vocal ability is strong, particularly when he performs an impressive tap dance routine without faltering as he sings about his pre-wedding jitters in "Cold Feets".

The technical aspects of the show excellently complement the performance on stage. The props, designed by Samantha Boyarsky, display an incredible attention to detail. Whether it be the intricate designs of the record sleeves or the real food sitting in the Man in Chair's fridge, the props elevate the story and make the idea of a Broadway performance in a man's apartment seem realistic.

Serena Junejo's costume design stays true to the time period and highlights the vibrancy of the production. The juxtaposition between Janet's light, feminine outfits and The Drowsy Chaperone's vivid and bold costumes elevates the contrast between the two characters.

With a hilarious and talented cast and strong, skilled technical design, Northwood High School's production of The Drowsy Chaperone provides a comedic and heartwarming story honoring the theatre industry.

Katelyn Biberacher
Santa Margarita Catholic
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Northwood leaves audiences anything but Drowsy with The Drowsy Chaperone

Northwood High School tells a story of romance with Martin and McKellar's The Drowsy Chaperone. The Man in Chair (Justin Lee) begins the tale in his shabby apartment. He listens to a record of the 1920s musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone, and the characters awaken in his living room. Janet Van De Graaff (Katherine Paladichuk) and Robert Martin (Anthony Cervero) plan to tie the knot, but problems arise and the wedding is cancelled. The plot follows a series of events that ultimately lead Janet and Robert, as well as three other couples, to marriage.

Lee engages the audience in each scene with excellent comedic timing and serves as a narrator to help the audience grasp an understanding of specific characters. His description of Janet is precisely revealed through her outstretched arms and ear to ear grin. Robert, her lover, reflects his narcissistic persona with a confident vocal tone and egocentric facial expressions. Janet's mentor, The Drowsy Chaperone (Chloe Boulard), upholds her classy yet lethargic attitude only until she meets the sarcastic and flamboyant Aldolpho, (Ian Bowe) whom she marries at the conclusion. Boulard flawlessly hits each note in "As We Stumble Along" with her elegant vocal quality and outstanding vibrato. The contrast between the two characters dissipates in "I Am Aldolpho" when they dance in enthrallment with each other.

The most creative technical aspect of the production is the set by Jerry Liu, Khai Hoang, and Christina Stone. The entire measure of the stage is utilized with angled walls, giving the space more depth. Hardwood floors engulf the apartment and contain a meticulous wood grain paint design. The mixture of brown and black hues create an authentic style that is truly remarkable. An excellent collaboration between make-up by Ellie Cross, Justin Lee, and Brooke Abel and costumes by Serena Junejo is prevalent through the 1920s style bathing suits featured in "Bride's Lament" and The Drowsy Chaperone's short black wig. An impressive performance is also given by the Northwood High School Orchestra, whose tempo and quality of tone remain consistent throughout. In musical correspondence is Katherine Paladichuk's choreography. From ballet to tap, each movement is executed precisely and contains a moderate level of difficulty.

Northwood High School dazzles audiences and proves that "Love is Always Lovely in the End" with their rendition of The Drowsy Chaperone.

Katelyn Biberacher
Santa Margarita Catholic
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Northwood leaves audiences anything but Drowsy with The Drowsy Chaperone

Northwood High School tells a story of romance with Martin and McKellar's The Drowsy Chaperone. The Man in Chair (Justin Lee) begins the tale in his shabby apartment. He listens to a record of the 1920s musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone, and the characters awaken in his living room. Janet Van De Graaff (Katherine Paladichuk) and Robert Martin (Anthony Cervero) plan to tie the knot, but problems arise and the wedding is cancelled. The plot follows a series of events that ultimately lead Janet and Robert, as well as three other couples, to marriage.

Lee engages the audience in each scene with excellent comedic timing and serves as a narrator to help the audience grasp an understanding of specific characters. His description of Janet is precisely revealed through her outstretched arms and ear to ear grin. Robert, her lover, reflects his narcissistic persona with a confident vocal tone and egocentric facial expressions. Janet's mentor, The Drowsy Chaperone (Chloe Boulard), upholds her classy yet lethargic attitude only until she meets the sarcastic and flamboyant Aldolpho, (Ian Bowe) whom she marries at the conclusion. Boulard flawlessly hits each note in "As We Stumble Along" with her elegant vocal quality and outstanding vibrato. The contrast between the two characters dissipates in "I Am Aldolpho" when they dance in enthrallment with each other.

The most creative technical aspect of the production is the set by Jerry Liu, Khai Hoang, and Christina Stone. The entire measure of the stage is utilized with angled walls, giving the space more depth. Hardwood floors engulf the apartment and contain a meticulous wood grain paint design. The mixture of brown and black hues create an authentic style that is truly remarkable. An excellent collaboration between make-up by Ellie Cross, Justin Lee, and Brooke Abel and costumes by Serena Junejo is prevalent through the 1920s style bathing suits featured in "Bride's Lament" and The Drowsy Chaperone's short black wig. An impressive performance is also given by the Northwood High School Orchestra, whose tempo and quality of tone remain consistent throughout. In musical correspondence is Katherine Paladichuk's choreography. From ballet to tap, each movement is executed precisely and contains a moderate level of difficulty.

Northwood High School dazzles audiences and proves that "Love is Always Lovely in the End" with their rendition of The Drowsy Chaperone.

Samantha Pietenpol
El Dorado
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Northwood's "The Drowsy Chaperone" is dazzling

One man's incredible imagination brings a 1928 record to life in his apartment, complete with love, heartbreak, and of course, tap dancing. The Man in Chair guides the audience through the story of "The Drowsy Chaperone," a fictitious musical about a starlet who gives up her spotlight to marry a man she hardly knows and the chaos that follows.

Justin Lee stars as the lonely Man in Chair. Lee draws attention with his relaxed, casual manner. He treats the audience like an old friend, inviting them to share his love of theatre. He rouses laughs with his deadpan delivery and mischievous grin. His passion for the record is clear in his eager discussion of his favorite moments and frustration with distractions, like telephone calls and power outages.

Another standout is Katherine Paladichuk as the fabulous Janet Van De Graaff. Paladichuk embodies a 1920s starlet with stylized gestures and animated facial expressions. Each movement is a deliberate pose mirroring her character's emotions. Paladichuk dazzles in her number "Show Off," revealing her powerful, dynamic vocals and superior dance ability. Paladichuk consistently fills the stage with her lively presence.

The Drowsy Chaperone, whose job is to keep Janet away from her fiancé on the day of the wedding, is portrayed by Chloe Boulard. Her controlled movements and haughty demeanor provide a nice balance for Paladichuk's powerful energy. Boulard demonstrates her dynamic abilities as an actress when she meets the flamboyant ladies' man Aldolpho, played by Ian Bowe. Boulard matches Bowe's infectious energy by becoming girlish and flirty. She giggles at his comical accent and desperately vies for his attention during his lively song, "I Am Aldolpho."

"The Drowsy Chaperone" features an energetic ensemble who perform captivating numbers with consistently precise movements, choreographed by Katherine Paladichuk. Their dedication to their characters shines through in every number, whether they are performing as a maid, reporter, or monkey.

The technical aspects of the show perfectly complement the delightful performance. Costume design by Serena Junejo captures the essence of the 1920s. Janet's girly, pastel dresses compared to the Chaperone's dramatic gowns show their characters' extreme differences. Props by Samantha Boyarsky show intricate attention to detail, especially in the furnishings of the apartment and the record sleeves.

Northwood High School's lighthearted production of "The Drowsy Chaperone" shows the joy musical theatre can bring to even the loneliest people.

Samantha Pietenpol
El Dorado
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Northwood's "The Drowsy Chaperone" is dazzling

One man's incredible imagination brings a 1928 record to life in his apartment, complete with love, heartbreak, and of course, tap dancing. The Man in Chair guides the audience through the story of "The Drowsy Chaperone," a fictitious musical about a starlet who gives up her spotlight to marry a man she hardly knows and the chaos that follows.

Justin Lee stars as the lonely Man in Chair. Lee draws attention with his relaxed, casual manner. He treats the audience like an old friend, inviting them to share his love of theatre. He rouses laughs with his deadpan delivery and mischievous grin. His passion for the record is clear in his eager discussion of his favorite moments and frustration with distractions, like telephone calls and power outages.

Another standout is Katherine Paladichuk as the fabulous Janet Van De Graaff. Paladichuk embodies a 1920s starlet with stylized gestures and animated facial expressions. Each movement is a deliberate pose mirroring her character's emotions. Paladichuk dazzles in her number "Show Off," revealing her powerful, dynamic vocals and superior dance ability. Paladichuk consistently fills the stage with her lively presence.

The Drowsy Chaperone, whose job is to keep Janet away from her fiancé on the day of the wedding, is portrayed by Chloe Boulard. Her controlled movements and haughty demeanor provide a nice balance for Paladichuk's powerful energy. Boulard demonstrates her dynamic abilities as an actress when she meets the flamboyant ladies' man Aldolpho, played by Ian Bowe. Boulard matches Bowe's infectious energy by becoming girlish and flirty. She giggles at his comical accent and desperately vies for his attention during his lively song, "I Am Aldolpho."

"The Drowsy Chaperone" features an energetic ensemble who perform captivating numbers with consistently precise movements, choreographed by Katherine Paladichuk. Their dedication to their characters shines through in every number, whether they are performing as a maid, reporter, or monkey.

The technical aspects of the show perfectly complement the delightful performance. Costume design by Serena Junejo captures the essence of the 1920s. Janet's girly, pastel dresses compared to the Chaperone's dramatic gowns show their characters' extreme differences. Props by Samantha Boyarsky show intricate attention to detail, especially in the furnishings of the apartment and the record sleeves.

Northwood High School's lighthearted production of "The Drowsy Chaperone" shows the joy musical theatre can bring to even the loneliest people.