The Livingston Post is profiling cast members of the Community Theatre of Howell’s production of “The Drowsy Chaperone,” which runs May 13-15 and 20-22.
The Community Theatre of Howell is back on the big stage this month with the hilarious musical “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
When a die-hard theater fan plays his favorite cast album, the characters come to life in this hilarious musical farce. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theater producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight.
The winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, “The Drowsy Chaperone” is a loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another.
The show is directed by Rick Spangler and produced by Angela Otto.
In today’s feature, we meet Casey Irey of Brighton, who plays Trix the Aviatrix.
She and her husband, Scott, have two sons, Colin,12, and Nolan, 9. They also have an adorable Aussie Shepherd named Max, who “definitely completes our family.”
Irey owns her own photography business specializing in children’s and family portraits. “I adore capturing memories for people and I’m lucky enough that my hobby is my career,” she says.
How did you become involved with CTH?
My first show with CTH was in the ensemble of “Beauty and the Beast” back in 2016. I had the most amazing experience getting to perform on stage and it just sucked me back into the crazy world of theater. Prior to that, I hadn’t been on stage since high school!
What are some memorable past roles and shows, either with CTH or other groups?
I’d say my most memorable role was playing Rapunzel in “Disenchanted!” The character was very in-your-face and had to break the wall down and be involved with the audience. So, it was extremely fun, but also a challenging role.
What is your favorite part of this show? Any takeaways for the audience?
I really enjoy “Drowsy” in its entirety. Every song is catchy and comedic and you walk away just feeling like you had a nice break from living in the “real world.” The biggest takeaway I would offer up from this show is to not take life so seriously and to do what makes you happy – even if it’s listening to a particular soundtrack over, and over, and over again.
What do you like about your role?
What I love about Trix is that she gets to be the heroine who “saves the day,” so to speak. And she has the coolest piece of scenery in the show…but I’m not going to spoil the surprise of what that entails!
Who is your favorite character in the show?
The Man in the Chair role in this show can either make or break it..and Nick is genuinely meant for this role and nails it 100 percent ..he’s my fave character!
The Community Theatre of Howell is presenting the musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” at the Howell High School Freshman Campus, 1400 W. Grand River Ave., Howell. Shows are May 13-15 and 20-22 with showtimes at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for students and seniors, available by clicking here.
