Templeton High School revives its canceled musical with big laughs

Article by Donna Kehl, Templeton PAC Foundation board member

– Templeton High School Theatre Arts is bringing big laughs and Broadway-level energy to the stage with its spring musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. Running from April 3-5 and April 10-12, this musical-within-a-musical promises to dazzle audiences with its over-the-top characters, tap-dancing numbers, and satirical take on 1920s American musical theater.

What is The Drowsy Chaperone about?

Originally a Canadian production, The Drowsy Chaperone features music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, with a book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar. The story revolves around a middle-aged musical theater fan, referred to as the “Woman in Chair,” who finds comfort in playing her favorite cast album of the fictional 1928 musical The Drowsy Chaperone. Cast member Ellen Shirley shared, “As the record spins, the show comes to life in her apartment, bringing a whirlwind of eccentric characters, mistaken identities, and comedic chaos along with it.”

Senior Alina Choboter, who plays the Woman in Chair, describes the show as “a really fun musical within a musical.” She explains, “There’s a lot of playfulness, chaos, multiple weddings, and silly antics. It’s a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It just wants to make you laugh and escape reality for a little while.”

Why The Drowsy Chaperone?

According to drama teacher Mrs. LeClair, the decision to stage The Drowsy Chaperone stemmed from a desire to bring lighthearted humor to the season. “Our fall productions were emotionally intense, and while Mamma Mia! was fun, it wasn’t necessarily silly. I wanted a show that would be hilarious and energetic—something with tap dancing, too.”

Another driving factor was the show’s history at Templeton High School. In 2020, just weeks before opening night, The Drowsy Chaperone was canceled due to the COVID-19 shutdown. “We never got to see it on stage,” LeClair said. “Now, five years later, it’s finally getting its moment.”

A cast that brings characters to life

The cast of The Drowsy Chaperone is embracing the show’s exaggerated comedic style. Brianna Mendoza-Pacheco (Mr. Feldzieg) shares, “The characters are larger than life. Everything is big—big facial expressions, big movements, big personalities. That’s what makes it so unique.”

Beckett Aston, who plays Robert Martin, says, “The cast and crew have really stepped up. Everyone looks and sounds incredible on stage.”

Meanwhile, Gia Ochandorena (Gangster #2) admits she hadn’t heard of the musical before but now calls it “so amazing.” Ellen Shirley (Mrs. Tottendale) adds, “It’s a classic 1920s musical at its core, but with extra layers of comedy and charm.”

What will audiences take away?

Beyond the humor and spectacle, the show offers a heartfelt message about the power of theater. Diego Porras (George) explains, “At its heart, The Drowsy Chaperone is about how musicals can be an escape. The Woman in Chair finds comfort in her favorite show, and I think a lot of us can relate to that.”

Alina Choboter agrees: “Sometimes, there isn’t a deep lesson. Sometimes, you just need a fun show that makes you smile.”

Behind the scenes: the challenges and triumphs

Bringing The Drowsy Chaperone to life hasn’t been without its challenges. Stage manager Natalija Pecenkovic highlighted the set’s complexity: “Since the entire show takes place in an apartment, we had to design it in a way that allows for all the crazy action to happen while maintaining visibility for the audience.”

Actors have also faced challenges in preparing for their roles. Beckett Aston notes that learning to tap dance and roller skate for his role as Robert Martin has been a steep learning curve. Diego Porras, also new to tap, dedicated himself to rigorous practice after initially struggling with the choreography. “I bombed my first lesson,” he admits, “but I kept drilling it until I got better.”

Unforgettable rehearsal moments

The cast has shared plenty of laughs during rehearsals. Brianna recalls struggling to keep a straight face while William Wallace (playing Adolfo) perfected a scene that required him to growl at her. “The first time, I ended up laughing so hard, I lost my composure,” she says.

Gia Ochandorena adds, “Every time someone messes up a line or a prop breaks, we all just burst out giggling. It’s been such a fun experience.”

Why you should see The Drowsy Chaperone

Beckett Aston puts it simply: “This show is here to entertain. It’s a break from reality—something lighthearted and fun.” Brianna Mendoza-Pacheco adds, “It’s packed with energy, humor, and fantastic performances. If you want to leave the theater smiling, this is the show for you.” Isabella Luther adds, “The cast and crew have worked really hard on their stellar production, and people should come and see it because the show is funny and will be entertaining to watch.”

With its talented cast, dazzling choreography, and infectious humor, The Drowsy Chaperone is sure to be a must-see event at the Templeton Performing Arts Center.

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