Justin Willingham as Man in Chair and Kristina Hanford as Janet Van De Graaff star in "The Drowsy Chaperone" at Harrell Theatre.Charles HarrellShowtyme Studio
The loving/mocking tribute to musical theater known as "The Drowsy Chaperone" has found an audience in this town.
The Tony Award-winning farce of nature got them laughing at the Orpheum in 2009, then was this season's opener for Playhouse on the Square back in August. Yet another incarnation had a run at Memphis University School, and now a fourth production is in its final weekend at the Harrell Theatre in Collierville.
The action is provided by a cheesy fictional 1928 musical comedy presented with commentary by a moderately self-loathing narrator from his shabby apartment. The Man in Chair (done with nice fussiness and nervous chuckles by Justin Willingham) pulls out his vinyl recording and, speaking to the audience, gives a running commentary. Something like "Mystery Science Theatre 3000" but with show tunes.
The action is all about going over the top and it's unashamedly hams on parade under Amy Hanford's crisp direction. The wit runs from very funny to groaners, but all in their place, appropriate even when inappropriate.
The talent on stage is considerable, all going over the top, but with some fine examples of how to do it with style.
Emily F. Chateau inhabits the title character, the tipsy and unreliable lady who is supposed to maintain some decorum during pre-wedding events where a showgirl is supposed to marry a tycoon. Over-the-top does not mean hanging it all out, but rather chewing the scenery with skill and wit.
Chateau, with her gift for comedy and song, does exactly that, and when she and the impossibly elastic Rob Hanford as the inept Latin lover Adolpho get together, it's poetry in motion -- slapstick style.
There are plenty of other performances that bring delight. Kristina Hanford shows off considerable versatility in "Show Off," Bruce Huffman is fine as the beleaguered best man, and Jeffrey K. Smith serves up a solid performance as Underling the butler.
"The Drowsy Chaperone" is a terrific summer entertainment, and impish provider of some welcome silliness.
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'The Drowsy Chaperone'
Harrell Theatre, 440 West Powell Road, Collierville. Runs 8 p.m. today and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $12-$15; (901) 457-2780 or harrelltheatre.org.
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