‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ wows at Boulder Dinner Theater

Boulder’s Dinner Theatre: Through May 13

As directed by Michael J. Duran, “The Drowsy Chaperone” is an all-night non-stop whirlwind of hilarious send-ups of the musicals of the early 20th century. The show garnered Tonys for Best Book for a Musical, Best Costumes, Best Original Score, Best Scenic Design and Best Featured Actress in a Musical – Beth Leavell. The Drama Desk Awards even gave it the nod for Best Musical.

Brian Norber plays Man in Chair, a gay man who is feeling a bit “blue” and turns to his collection of musical theatre records – yes, records – for consolation. As he listens to his favorite, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” he engages the audience in a one-sided dialogue wherein he describes the original cast in glowing terms along with the sordid details of their real lives. The viewer falls in love with this adorable rangy, rubber-faced actor. Norber’s performance steals the show.

The scenic design by Amy Campion gives us Man In Chair’s dingy apartment, out of which emerges an outrageously entertaining Broadway show of the past. This show within a show describes the ups and downs of two young lovers trying to get to the altar. The characters in the show are archetypes including a Latin Lothario named Aldolpho played with excruciatingly funny panache by Seth Caikowski.

Denver/Boulder favorite Ali Dunfee is a stellar stitch as the titular character. Her hand nearly always clutching a Gibson, she belts the song “As We Stumble Along” with a choreographed semaphore of comic brio non pareil.

Brian Jackson, the groom, and Matthew Peters, the best man, give us some magnificent tap dancing as the groom struggles with his “Cold Feets.”

Katy Ulrich is the bride. As Janet Van de Graff this young actor pulls out all the stops in her show-stopping number, “I Don’t Want to Show Off.” Director Michael Duran and Wayne Kennedy play The Hairy Brothers, two bald gangsters posing as pastry chefs. Their duet, “Toledo Surprise,” in which kitchen utensils provide a sort of culinary metaphor for tommy guns, is a killer. No, really.

Joanie Brosseau is hilarious as Kitty, the quintessential squeaky dumb blonde stereotype trying to land an acting role by cozying up to these gangstas and auditioning for roles in shows such as “Swanee Lake.” Neal Dunfee provides his usual magic conducting Boulder’s Dinner Theatre’s luscious live orchestra.

Dopey, daffy, and utterly delightful, this show is so entertaining you will not believe your ears and eyes.

And when you bite into that Prime Rib you won’t believe your taste buds either!
Your nose you can believe – sorry.