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 Nick Szczerba of Trenton, who plays the Man in the Chair. Szczerba is a retired software engineer who is married and has two grandsons.
How did you become involved with CTH?
They needed a Man in Chair and was recommended to the director by a mutual friend.
What are some memorable past roles and shows, either with CTH or other groups?
I loved playing Vanya in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” with the Hartland Players and at Stagecrafters in Royal Oak, and also Martin Vanderhof in “You Can’t Take It With You” at the Theater Guild of Dearborn.
What is your favorite part of this show? Any take-aways for the audience?
All of the songs are infectious and each is a true showstopper.
What do you like about your role?
Man In Chair gets to watch triple threats from the best seat in the house.
Who is your favorite character in the show?
All of them – that’s why it won the Tony!
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.
