The Drowsy Chaperone by Lorain County Metro Parks

FRENCH CREEK THEATRE SHEFFIELD LAKE, OH

French Creek Theatre PRESENTS

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE Music and Lyrics by

Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison

Book by

Bob Martin and Dan McKellar

Directed & Music Directed by Jordan Cooper Choreography by Kristy Cruz

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

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

PRODUCTION TEAM Crew Members Director & Music Director

Jordan Cooper

Stage Manager

Julie Billinghurst

Assistant Stage Manager

Jessica Dupee

Choreographer

Kristy Cruz

Dance Captain

Emma Victoria Clark

Costume Designer & Properties Master

Vanessa Cook

Set Designer & Technical Director

Nic Thornburg

Sound Designer

Stan Kozak

Lighting Designer

John Ebert

Sound Board Operator

Sarah Rounds

Spotlight Operator

Megan Campana

Spotlight Operator

Wesley Carney

Stage Crew

Gretchen Woods

Artistic Director & Cultural Arts Manager Cultural Arts & Nature Programmer

Brian McNally Erin Moran

CAST Cast Members Man In Chair

Jonathan Kronenberger

Mrs. Tottendale

Kate Leigh Michalski

Underling

Brian Altman

Robert Martin

Adam Rawlings

George

Andrew Keller

Feldzieg

John J. Polk

Kitty

Meg Martinez

Aldolpho

Trey Gilpin

Janet Van De Graaff

Kaylea Kudlaty

The Drowsy Chaperone Trix

Amiee Collier Sara Danielle Chapman

Gangster #1

Anthony Savage-Williams

Gangster #2

Adam Patterson

Woman 1 / Reporter 1

Neely Gevaart

Woman 2

Zenzi Pelligree

Woman 3

Emma Victoria Clark

Man 1 / Super

Aaron T. Phillips

Man 2 / Reporter 2

Michael Emery Fox

SONGS ACT I Prologue Tottendale's Entrance Hall - Morning Fancy Dress

Company

Robert's Room - Morning Cold Feets

Robert, George

Tottendale's Pool - Early Afternoon Show Off

Janet, Company

Entrance Hall - Afternoon Janet's Bridal Suite - Afternoon As We Stumble Along I Am Aldolpho

The Chaperone Aldolpho, The Chaperone

Tottendale's Garden - Afternoon Accident Waiting To Happen

Robert, Janet

Tottendale's Salon - Afternoon Toledo Surprise

Company

Act I Finale

Company

Intermission Monologue Oriental Palace-Day A Message From A Nightingale

Kitty, Gangsters, Aldolpho, The Chaperone

Act II Intro Monologue Courtyard-Afternoon Bride's Lament

Janet, Company

Hallway - Late Afternoon Love Is Always Lovely In The End

Mrs. Tottendale, Underling

Janet's Bridal Suite - Late Afternoon Tottendale's Garden - Sunset I Do, I Do in the Sky

Trix, Company

Wrap Up As We Stumble Along (Reprise)

Company

DIRECTOR'S NOTE

I must admit I was daunted when I first approached writing a director’s note for this show. The Drowsy Chaperone is a deceptively complex piece of theater. It is, on the surface, a bright, shiny, bubbly musical comedy. At its heart it is a story about loneliness, isolation and the human need for validation. The fact that these contrasting themes live so comfortably in the same piece of theater is continuously mind boggling, to me. On one hand we have outrageous characters filled with side-splitting humor and on the other hand we have a damaged soul just trying to make it through another day. I find that balance fascinating, inspiring and comforting. The Man in The Chair is many things. He is a lonely individual. He is flawed, lost and on the verge of abandon. He is an optimist, and he finds beauty in the unexpected. He is a template for the “lonely bachelor” stereotype that for so long felt the inability to speak up for their own happiness. He is every person that has ever felt the need for escape. The Man In The Chair is all of us. So, here lies the complexity. Is this show a Drama? Is it a Comedy? Like all the best things in life, I believe it is both. I can guarantee that you will laugh. I suspect that you will cry. I truly hope that you will find a little tune to carry with you in your head. A little something to help you escape the dreary horrors of the real world. A little something for when you’re feeling blue. You know? - Jordan Cooper

French Creek Theatre and the production team of "The Drowsy Chaperone" would like to extend special thanks to:

Nicholas Baker Wesley Carney Christine Madden Gretchen Woods

WHO'S WHO Jonathan Kronenberger

as Man In Chair

is delighted to be making his French Creek debut in one of his favorite shows. A heartfelt thanks to Kristy, Julie, Jessica, and this amazing cast, crew, and staff. An endless thanks to Jordan for this priceless gift, his friendship and insights, as well as for pouring his full passion into every single damn thing he does. This one is for Janet and Patrick.

Kate Leigh Michalski

as Mrs. Tottendale

is happy to be back at French Creek! Past credits: She Loves Me (Amalia Balish), Parade (Lucille Frank) at French Creek Theatre; Evil Dead: The Musical (Cheryl), We Will Rock You (Oz), Reefer Madness (Mae), The Texas Chainsaw Musical (Lucretia) at Blank Canvas Theatre; Ragtime (Emma Goldman), The Toxic Avenger (Mayor/Ma) at Cain Park. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Point Park University and is a proud EMC. “Love you Mom! Love you Dad.”

Brian Altman

as Underling

just finished his second year as Lord Farquaad in Beck Center's Shrek the Musical, and is delighted to stand and serve in this charming production! He made his FCT debut in Addams Family (Mal Beinecke), and was last seen here in Little Woman (Prof. Bhaer). He's been involved in community theater for many years all over PA and OH. His favorite theatrical credits include Into the Woods (The Baker), Ragtime (Tateh), Cabaret (Emcee), Spamalot (Lancelot), and Forever Plaid (Smudge). This is Brian's first official show with his friend Kate! Later this year he'll celebrate 20 years with his partner, Brendan!

WHO'S WHO Adam Rawlings

as Robert Martin

is ecstatic to be at French Creek Theatre. This is his third time performing in this show, and it’s been a wonderful experience every time. His most recent credit was this past summer in Matilda (The Escapologist). The summer before, he performed as Dakota Dan at Cedar Point. When not onstage, he is making Frappuccinos with a smile at Starbucks or enjoying a pizza while watching YouTube videos. Visit his website adam-rawlings.com or follow him on Instagram @adamerawlings. Shoutout to Avery, Easton, Peyton & Zoey. They are so wonderful and actually taught him how to keep his “cold feet hot.” Enjoy the show! “

John J. Polk

as Feldzieg

is happy to be a part of his third show here at French Creek. He’s previously appeared in Little Women (Mr. Laurence) and Little Shop Of Horrors (Mushnik). John has been hanging around local theatre (mostly West Side) for a few decades now. Other favorite productions include Urinetown (Cladwell), Kiss Of The Spider Woman (Warden), Cabaret (Herr Schultz) and Side Show (Sir) at Blank Canvas Theatre; Mary Poppins (The Chairman, Admiral Boom), Lend Me A Tenor (Harold Saunders), and My Favorite Year (King Kaiser) at Beck Center. His Mom remembered the height of radio. In the 30’s that’s where a lot of vaudeville performers would go to get some national exposure. And she worked at the old Palace Theater when the big movies played there. His Dad loved the old comedians. I’ve thought of them a lot as we’ve prepared this terrific show. Hope YOU enjoy it.

WHO'S WHO Amiee Collier

as The Drowsy Chaperone

is happy to return to French Creek. She was previously seen on stage as Dot/Marie in Sunday in the Park with George and Mae Tuck in Tuck Everlasting. Amiee has a long list of roles, but here are some of her favorites: Merrily We Roll Along (Mary) and Next to Normal (Diana) at Lakeland Civic; Bat Boy: The Musical (Meredith Parker) and Equus (Hesther) at Blank Canvas Theatre; Sweeney Todd (The Beggar Woman) at Cain Park; Jekyll & Hyde (Lucy) and Evil Dead â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Musical (Cheryl) at Beck Center. Infinite love to Jordan and thankyou to Julie, Jessica, and the production team. Up next, Amiee is so happy to take on a dream role as Alison in Fun Home at Ensemble Theatre.

Kaylea Kudlaty

as Janet Van De Graaff

is making her French Creek Debut! She pretty much lives, breathes and sleeps theatre but on the off chance she doesn't have rehearsal, Kaylea loves spending time with the best pups in the world and watching Vine videos online. Recent performance credits include: Sister Act (Mary Roberts), Young Frankenstein (Inga), Shrek (Fiona), Peter Pan (Peter Pan), Essie (You Cant Take It With You), Sandrine/ Ginette (Almost Maine). Kaylea has also choreographed Matilda, On The Town, Addams Family and Beauty and the Beast. Kaylea would like to thank the cast and production staff for taking a chance on her and teaching her so much along the way. One last shout out to her Boyfriend for being so supportive of this dream and just good vibes. "I love you!" Proverbs 16:3

WHO'S WHO Meg Martinez

as Kitty

is delighted to be back at French Creek Theatre after appearing as Meg March in Little Women last spring. Favorite recent credits include Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins—twice!), The Music Man (Marian Paroo), Evil Dead: The Musical (Linda), A Little Night Music (Petra), Sweeney Todd (Johanna), The Rocky Horror Show (Janet Weiss), Yippee Ki-Yay Merry Christmas: A Die Hard Musical Parody (Klaus/ Tony), Cannibal! The Musical (Polly Pry), [title of show] (Susan), Doubt (Sister James), and Cymbeline (Imogen). Meg holds a BA in Theatre Arts from Brown University and is an Equity Membership Candidate. Thanks to Jordan, Kristy, Julie, and the entire cast and crew. Love always, M. Holy cats! www.meg-martinez.com

Trey Gilpin

as Aldolpho

is thrilled to return to French Creek after appearing in She Loves Me (Sipos) in 2019, Sunday in the Park with George (Jules / Greenberg) in 2014, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip) in 2011. Trey’s a Kentucky native who moved to northeast Ohio after working with the Roundabout Theatre Company in New York City. As an adopted Clevelander, Trey has appeared at Beck Center for the Arts, Cleveland Public Theatre, Cain Park, Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Blank Canvas Theatre, Ensemble Theatre, Mercury Theatre Company, and more. Favorite shows include Merrily We Roll Along (Charley), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Freddy), The Importance of Being Earnest (Algernon), The Last Five Years (Jamie), and Matilda (Miss Trunchbull). Many thanks to this amazing cast, Jordan, Julie, Jess, and the rest of this spectacular team!

WHO'S WHO Andrew Keller

as George

is very excited to be returning to French Creek Theatre. He is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University, where he studied acting and directing. His recent directing credits include: Beauty and the Beast and Grease at Sandstone Summer Theater, and Willy Wonka here at French Creek Theater. Recent local acting credits include: Ragtime (Ensemble), The Importance of Being Earnest (Jack) at Broadview Heights Spotlights; Silent Sky (Peter Shaw) at Clague Playhouse; She Loves Me (Ensemble), Our Town (George), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat (Potiphar/Dan) at French Creek; The Phantom Tollbooth (Humbug), The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (Peter), Farragut North (Ben) at Ensemble Theater; Side Show (Ensemble), The Bigfoot Letters (Roger Korman) at Blank Canvas Theater. Thanks to the audience for supporting local theater, and the biggest thanks of all goes to his family for their constant love and support.

Sara Danielle Chapman

as Trix

is excited to finally have the chance to grace the stage at French Creek! #SOY

Anthony Savage-Williams

as Gangster #1

is pleased to return to French Creek. Anthony has recently been scene in Memphis and Ragtime at Cain Park, and as Noah in Children of Eden at Cassidy. With great shows came some great roles as well, such as John in Miss Saigon, Ike Skidmore in Oklahoma, Horton in Seussical, Booker T Washinton in Ragtime, and Tom Collins in Rent. He has performed at other theatres including Nearwest Theatre, Cleveland Public Theatre, Karamu House, Aurora Community Theatre, Chagrin Valley Little Theatre and others. He has worked as a performer at Cedar Point, as part of the T.O.P.S (Theatre Outreach Performance Series) at Karamu, which toured around northeast Ohio. Thanks to his grandma, and his little brother Warren for their constant love and support!

WHO'S WHO Adam Patterson

as Gangster #2

is appearing in his second theatrical performance, and is honored to share the stage with this amazing cast and crew! His first show was playing Karl in Near West Theatre’s production of Big Fish in 2019. He also enjoys stage managing and performing in the TNT (Talent No Talent) shows at the GAYLA men’s conference in Saco Maine. He was an extra in the 2017 horror movie, The Bye Bye Man. Adam enjoys photography and adventuring the world with his husband Jason.

Neely Gevaart

as Woman 1 / Reporter 1

is excited to be back on stage at French Creek. She was last seen here as Jo in Little Women. She has performed at many theaters in her ten years of living in the Cleveland area, including Blank Canvas Theatre, Lakeland Civic Theater, Dobama Theater, and the Cleveland Play House. She would like to thank her fiancé, Christopher, and her cat, Taco, for all their love and support.

Zenzi Pelligree

as Woman 2

is currently a freshman at Cleveland State University. A few of her past roles include Fame (Carmen Diaz), Carrie (Chris Hargensen) and Children of Eden (Abel). This is her first time performing with French Creek Theatre. She would like to thank her parents and the many people involved in supporting her involvement in theater. She would also like to thank Kayleigh Mooney for her constant determination and motivation for me to follow my dreams.

WHO'S WHO Emma Victoria Clark

as Woman 3

is so excited to be a part of The Drowsy Chaperone, not only as a performer but also as the dance captain! Over the past few years, she has been adventuring in Orlando, New York City, and even Paris. In fact, you may have even seen her waltzing down Main Street USA, or dancing on the other stages of Walt Disney World. Now, being back in her hometown of Cleveland, she is thrilled to perform on the French Creek stage for the first time. Favorite credits include Francesca in West Side Story (Orlando Shakes), the Angel in Angels in America, Lysistrata in Lysistrata, and Sally Bowles in Cabaret (all at Cleveland State University). She would like to especially thank Jordan Cooper for giving her this truly special opportunity. She is happy to dedicate this performance, as always, to her late grandfather.

Aaron T. Phillips

as Man 1 / Super

is making his debut at French Creek, and he hopes to return! It’s been awhile since he’s been onstage - his favorite role was playing Bill Sykes in Oliver! in 2011. More recently, Aaron has played trombone and euphonium in pit orchestras around Cleveland for shows such as Sweeney Todd, Urinetown, Mary Poppins, Brad! The Musical, A Funny Thing Happened..., and his personal favorite, Cabaret. He finds it quite thrilling sharing the stage with actors he’s played for and respects greatly. “Welcome! We’re all glad you came for a few hours to put the blues at bay and laugh a little bit. We hope you enjoy yourself and carry a little tune home with you.”

Michael Emery Fox

as Man 2 / Reporter 2

is so exciting to be returning to French Creek after last being seen in Into the Woods last summer. A Kent State BFA graduate, some of his favorite productions are Children of Eden (Japheth), The Rocky Horror Show (Columbia), Spring Awakening (Melchior) and She Loves Me (Busboy). When he’s not onstage, Michael loves reading, dancing and binging Disney Plus. He’d like to thank his incredible parents for their support and love throughout the years and Jordan for being the best director and friend anyone could ask for. Minnie, this one is for you.

CREW WHO'S WHO Jordan Cooper

Director & Music Director

is happy to return to FCT after directing last season’s success, She Loves Me. Favorite credits include: Altar Boyz, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Sunday In The Park With George, She Loves Me (FCT); Next To Normal, The Light In the Piazza, Violet, Bridges of Madison County, Merrily We Roll Along, A Little Night Music (LCT); Ragtime, Rock of Ages, The Toxic Avenger, Godspell, The Frogs, Memphis (Cain Park); The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Little Foxes, Every Brilliant Thing (CPH); A Civil War Christmas, Peter & The Starcatcher, Ella Enchanted (DOBAMA); Finnian’s Rainbow (Mercury); A Year With Frog And Toad, Blood Brothers, Nunsense, The Boyfriend, A Night With Rogers and Hammerstein, Children Of Eden (Cassidy); Miss Saigon, Rent, A Christmas Story, Big Fish, The Mystery Of Edwin Drood (Near West Theater). Upcoming credits include: Legally Blonde, Sondheim on Sondheim (Cain Park); Parade (Near West Theater).

Julie Billinghurst

Stage Manager

is excited to continue her fifth season as SM at French Creek with such a fun show! Some of her favorite shows she's worked on at French Creek include She Loves Me, As You Like It, Parade, Bonnie & Clyde and Big Fish. She has also worked as the stage manager for LCCC, LCMT and TrueNorth. By day, she loves her job as Librarian at St. Peter School in Lorain. Thanks to Jordan, Jess, Kristy and the rest of the production team and cast for making this such a fun experience. Sit back and enjoy the wonderful, zany, delightful world of The Drowsy Chaperone!

Jessica Dupee

Assistant Stage Manager

is excited to return as Assistant Stage Manager! Previous French Creek credits include the cast of A Christmas Carol and Assistant Stage Manager for Gifts of the Magi, She Loves Me, and Little Women. She holds a BA in Theatre Design and Technology from Ashland University and has stage managed for Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Porthouse Theatre, and Weathervane Playhouse. Thank you to Jordan, Julie, and the entire cast for a wonderful process! Thank you to my family and friends for their endless love and support!

CREW WHO'S WHO Kristy Cruz

Choreographer

is thrilled to be returning to French Creek with this incredibly talented cast and production staff, after choreographing Big River here in 2011. Her work has been seen throughout the Cleveland area and beyond on such stages as Near West Theatre, Blank Canvas Theatre, Cassidy Theatre, Western Reserve Playhouse, Aurora Community Theatre, and Solon Center For The Arts. Kristy is currently choreographing Mamma Mia, her 17th show for Solon High School, where she has earned three Dazzle Award nominations for Best Choreography Execution. Kristy sends endless thanks to the cast, Julie, and Jess for all of their hard work, to Jordan for this wonderful opportunity to make magic with him again, and to her friends and family (especially Mom and Summer) for their constant support. Enjoy the show!

Vanessa Cook

Costume Designer & Properties Master

is a B-W Conservatory (BM) and Regent University (MA) alum, and also is the owner of Cook Theatre Designs, LLC, a freelance design firm that serves Northern Ohio theatre programs. She specializes in prop, set and costume design. Ms. Cook has worked with several Cleveland/Akron based theatres including: Cleveland Opera Theatre, Baldwin-Wallace Opera, Hathaway Brown Theatre Institute, Cleveland Musical Theatre, Cassidy Theatre, Spark Theatre 4 Youth and Progressive Perspective Theatricals. She serves as the resident prop mistress at Dobama Theater. In addition, Ms Cook is co-founder and executive director of the Norwalk Arts Center, a non-profit serving the arts community of Huron County and is the part owner of the historic Norwalk Theater in Norwalk, Ohio.

Nic Thornburg

Set Designer & Technical Director

is very pleased to be working with French Creek Theatre for the second time this season!His previous work has been seen at Cleveland Playhouse, Mercury Theatre Company, Virginia Stage Company, Virginia Arts Festival, Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, Virginia Opera, Old Dominion University, Cortland Repertory Theatre, Virginia Musical Theatre, and others. Mr. Thornburg is also a freelance scenic designer, actor, entrepreneur, has taught stagecraft and production, and has served as Theatre Editor for AltDaily.com.

CREW WHO'S WHO John Ebert

Lighting Designer

is thrilled to join the FCT family and greatly appreciates the chance to work with this fantastic artistic staff. For the past four decades, Mr. Ebert has enjoyed lighting a multitude of artists and managing productions throughout Ohio. Beyond a 25- year residency as lighting designer for Magical Theatre Company, his work has been seen recently on Near West Theatre’s Big Fish, The Wedding Singer at Saint Ignatius High School, and as Production Manager for Cleveland Metro Schools’ All-City Arts productions of 42ND Street, and URINETOWN coming this April to Playhouse Square. John’s lighting has also enhanced VERB Ballets’ Heinz Poll Tributes and Peter Pan, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah at The Breen Center, An Evening with Kathryn Morgan at The Kennedy Center, The Ashley Bouder Project at The Ohio Theatre, and six seasons at Cain Park. Thank you to our audience for appreciating musicals, coming to see our work, and enjoying an evening of live theatre!

Stan Kozak

Sound Designer

is currently in his twenty-eighth season at Great Lakes Theater, has more than 50 design credits including Bat Boy: The Musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Comedy of Errors, Amadeus, You Can’t Take It With You, Private Lives, Into the Woods and the Tom Hanks’ benefit performances. His work in 1979 and 1981 with Geraldine Fitzgerald on Streetsongs at GLTF led to the original cast album. Mr. Kozak was the resident sound designer for four seasons at the Porthouse Theatre Company, including productions of Driving Miss Daisy, Niteclub Confidential and a Nightingale Sang. His collaborations with Victoria Bussert at Baldwin-Wallace College include productions of Chess, Hair, Company, and more. For Cain Park, his design credits include Secret Garden, Fiddler on the Roof, Grease, Bat Boy, Tick, tick…Boom, Nine, The Wiz, Harold and Maude and Pippin. He has served as sound designer for the All-City Musical for the Cleveland school system for eight seasons.

CREW WHO'S WHO Sarah Rounds

Sound Board Operator

is excited to be back working on her twelfth show at French Creek! She graduated from Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida, earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Recording Arts and currently works at Playhouse Square as a Ticketing Concierge. She is an Avon High School alumni where she was hugely involved in the drama club and was inducted into the Thespian Society. She enjoyed being on stage as much as working off stage in running crew and as head of the makeup/hair crew. In her free time, Sarah likes to sing, teach herself new instruments, hang out with friends and family, work on her sound design skills, and cuddle with her puppy.

Brian McNally

Artistic Director & Cultural Arts Manager

was born and raised in northeast Ohio, and is proud to call the shores of Lake Erie home. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in the spring of 2009 with a BA in Dramatic Arts from Cleveland State University. Thereafter he auditioned for and was accepted into Great Lakes Theater’s acclaimed School Residency Program as an Actor/Teacher, a position he held for three years before moving to Canton for the birth of his beautiful boy, Marty. In 2013 Brian returned to the Cleveland area to take the helm of then LCMP partner TrueNorth Cultural Arts’ Summer Theatre Camps, and afterward was brought on as Cultural Arts Programmer for Lorain County Metro Parks. Following the retirement of his supervisor and mentor, Rick Fortney, Brian was promoted to his current role at French Creek in March of last year. Look for his work this August at Miller Nature Preserve where he’ll be directing Macbeth, LCMP’s third annual Shakespeare in the Park production.

CREW WHO'S WHO Erin Moran

Cultural Arts & Nature Programmer

is an Amherst native with experience working in film, television and theatre. With a BA in Theatre and Communications from Saint Mary's College, Erin has worked behind the scenes and on stage. She served the JCC as the assistant director of Playmakers Youth Theatre and Performing Arts Camp, worked as a production assistant on a number of films and television shows in Cleveland, and served as a creative, assistant, and actor for Imaginos Productions. On the stage Erin has recently been seen at Ensemble Theatre (By the Bog of Cats), Dobama (Marilyn Bianchi Kids' Playwriting Festival), and Silouhette Productions (Shrek). She extends her congradulations to the ever talented cast and crew of The Drowsy Chaperone and would like to thank those out tonight for supporting live theatre.

ANNOUNCEMENTS