Adam Warwinsky

By: centraljersey.com
South Hunterdon Regional’s finest will take the stage for this year’s musical production of Martin and McKeller’s "The Drowsy Chaperone," a musical within a play, on March 3, 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. According to Director Audrey Frankowski, "It’s a spoof on the American musical and is so over the top, you’ll be giggling the whole way through! It is full of "mix-ups and mayhem," toe-tapping songs reminiscent of the roaring 20s and costumes that evoke the "world of the 1920s, when the champagne flowed while the caviar chilled and all the world was a party."
The ensemble cast ranges from first-time freshmen to veteran seniors.
There are many significant roles in the show, making it a true "ensemble" musical. Focus alternates frequently, with guiding narration from Danny Carpenter as The Man in the Chair. The Man is a musical theater fanatic looking back on one of his favorite productions. The musical follows the wedding of Robert Martin (an oil tycoon and "debonair bridegroom") and Janet Van De Graff (a 1920s star who is "giving up the stage for love") played by this writer, Adam Warwinsky, and Kacie Craven.
"This is a great show for teenagers, it has a lot of meaty parts and quirky sub-plots," said Ms. Frankowski.
"It’s pretty sweet to have a big part this year and since I’m already friends with Adam, it’s not even acting for us," said Peter Mercer-Pontier who plays George, Robert’s best man. At one point, George blindfolds Robert to prevent him from seeing the bride on his wedding day and gives him a pair of roller skates to warm his "cold feet" – a recipe for disaster.
Janet’s personal confidant, The Drowsy Chaperone, is a wealthy and witty older woman who carries her own flask since "it is prohibition." Alden Stewart’s performance epitomizes the typically jaded and rather blunt alcoholic.
Brandon Bacorn as Feldzieg, the "harried producer" of "Feldzieg’s Follies," convinces an overly dramatic and arrogant Latin Lover named Adolpho (played by Jeffery Piratzky) to pursue Janet Van De Graff and break up the wedding. However, Adolpho mistakes someone else for Janet and finds himself entwined with a woman who is not the bride.
Jessica MacGregor and Sarah Baker, disguised as pastry chefs, play gangsters who arrive to warn Feldzieg that if he doesn’t break up the wedding and bring Janet back to the follies, there will be "unfortunate" consequences.
Another romantic couple is Underling and Mrs. Tottendale, with Sean Dale opposite Amanda Neilson, as the butler and his long-time employer.
Trix, the aviatrix, played by Tori Smiegocki, arrives just in time to add a special and unusual something to the wedding ceremony.
Tiffany Moran (who performs at Downtown Performing Arts Center in Lambertville and is a member of the Princeton Girl Choir) as Kitty, Feldzieg’s girlfriend, and Jessica MacGregor are the only freshmen with substantial roles. When asked how she felt about the casting decision, Tiffany said, "It’s an awesome experience, but a bit intimidating. It’s the first time that this many people are going to see me do a musical."
Completing the cast, and playing many roles, are Emma Carpenter, Amy Dupuis, Bobby Goodwin, Stefanie Hutchinson and Robby Quinn.
The production will be staged in the SHRHS Theatre,West Amwell. In the event of bad weather, an afternoon performance will be added on Sunday. Check www.shrhs.org, for performance changes.
Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens and $10, general admission. For more information, call 397-4369.