The Drowsy Chaperone

North Shore Theatre Company (NSTC) is returning home to the Zenith Theatre in Chatswood after a three year hiatus to open the hilarious musical farce The Drowsy Chaperone from 6 to 15 September 2019.

A loving send-up of American musical comedy from the 1920s, The Drowsy Chaperone charts the dream-come-true moment when a die-hard theatre fan plays his favourite cast album and the characters come to life in his living room.

This five time Tony Award winning show playfully pokes fun at musical theatre tropes. From two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone, the show has all necessary ingredients for delightful hilarity.

Kelly Horrigan directs North Shore Theatre Company's production of The Drowsy Chaperone and said of her vision for the show: "The musical is based on the imagination of one man, and - like a child playing alone - it gets bigger every time he plays, so there is a lot of room for this production to grow and develop. Each character brings their own flare and energy and I cannot wait to channel it into one incredibly entertaining show."

With that in mind, what can audiences expect of the show? Horrigan says, "The Drowsy Chaperone features one show-stopping song after another. With completely absurd plot twists, you are guaranteed to laugh out loud and be thoroughly entertained."

NSTC President Judy Roy is thrilled to bring the company back home to The Zenith Theatre for this fun-filled musical.

"North Shore Theatre Company (formerly famously known as Chatswood Musical Society) played at the Zenith Theatre for almost 10 years and we have celebrated many milestones there including our 65th Anniversary in 2016. The Drowsy Chaperone will be our 155th show and the 15th at The Zenith."

"The Zenith is a wonderful performance space for cast and crew, and also for the patrons because its location allows easy access with parking under the theatre or an easy 5 minute stroll from the station with North Shore trains and the new Metro."

The Drowsy Chaperone plays at The Zenith Theatre from 6 to 15 September.
Buy tickets online at: www.northshoretheatrecompany.org/drowsy-chaperone

Interview with Kelly Horrigan, Director

Question: How did you get into directing?

Kelly Horrigan: I had choreographed a few shows and was due to choreograph a production of 42nd Street when the director had to step down. I had already done so much work I wasn't willing to let them cancel it so I found someone to co-choreograph with me and we made it all happen.


Question: Who inspires you?

Kelly Horrigan: It may sound like a cliché but my cast inspire me. When I am working with a team of people who are working really hard, it inspires me to keep thinking outside the box, to get more creative and develop the characters and storyline even further.


Question: If you could have anyone in the world attend a show, who would it be?

Kelly Horrigan: Bette Midler, she is a true triple threat and inspiring.


Question: What do you do when you aren't directing community theatre?

Kelly Horrigan: Perform in it myself or go and watch friends perform.


Question: Why should Sydney audiences come and see The Drowsy Chaperone?

Kelly Horrigan: Because they will not be disappointed. The show is so well written, it is impossible to not laugh the whole way through. And the cast are just as incredible, so much talent and dedication. Audiences are going to love it!