TNB Theatre School students prepare to stage their first Canadian musical.
Theatre New Brunswick’s 2014-2015 season wraps up with a full-scale production of the hit Canadian musical comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone, complete with a live orchestra! This award-winning play debuted on Broadway in 2006, winning five Tony Awards. A company of nearly 100 people including cast, orchestra, creative and production teams will bring this laugh-out-loud comedy to the Fredericton Playhouse stage with four performances beginning April 30.
Each TNB Theatre School production is the culmination of months of rehearsal and countless hours of preparation behind the scenes. In addition to gaining valuable experience as performers, this year’s cast of The Drowsy Chaperone also received an education in the history and evolution of the musical form as the script unfolded.
“Working on Drowsy has allowed us to explore the golden age of Musicals,” said TNB Theatre School Director, Tania Breen, “all the while celebrating the gimmicks, clichés, tropes and modern-day faux pas of the shows of this time period. It has also allowed us to laugh – long and loud – in the rehearsal hall. What a joy this show has been to bring to life! It has been a labour of love, and we are incredibly proud of our students, some of whom are graduating TNB Theatre School this year.”
As part of each major Theatre School production, students work alongside many theatre professionals who commit their time and skills to help give students a taste of what professional theatre is all about. The creative team involved in this year’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone includes many of the talented theatre professionals involved in some of TNB’s most popular shows including Michael Doherty (Conductor/Musical Director/Sound Designer), Naomi Costain (Choreographer), Mike Johnston (Set and Lighting Designer) and Sherry Kinnear (Costume Designer).
When the curtain goes up on April 30, audiences will be treated to an incredible performance by some of the region’s most talented next-generation theatre professionals.
The Drowsy Chaperone | The Fredericton Playhouse | April 30 – May 2, 2015 | 7:30PM (Sat. Matinee at 2:00pm) | But Tickets
