The Drowsy Chaperone: Jonathan Crombie to once again play the 'Man in Chair'
Canadian actor Jonathan Crombie will once again fill the role of 'man of chair' in the Broadway musical The Drowsy Chaperone from 21 Aug 2007, he assumes the role from John Glover, who leaves the show on 19 Aug 2007 before returning to shoot the seventh season of the CW series 'Smallville.'
Crombie initially made his Broadway debut as �Man in Chair� from 13 Mar - 22 Apr 2007.
Jonathan Crombie has appeared in previous Toronto productions of the musical as Gangster #2. He is best known for playing 'Gilbert Blythe' in the popular Canadian mini-series �Anne of Green Gables.
The current cast also features: Danny Burstein (Adolpho), Jo Anne Worley (Mrs Tottendale), Mara Davi (Janet Van De Graaff), Peter Bartlett (Underling), Troy Britton Johnson (Robert Martin), Patrick Wetzel (George), Garth Kravits (Gangster 2), Jason Kravits (Gangster 1), Beth Leavel (The Drowsy Chaperone), Kecia Lewis-Evans (Trix), Jennifer Smith (Kitty), Gerry Vichi (Feldzieg).
The Drowsy Chaperone opened at the Marquis Theatre on the 1 May 2006, following previews from the 3 Apr 2006, where it is currently booking to 17 Feb 2008.
The musical opened to mixed reviews; "Small and ingratiating musical" (The New York Times); "little, horrifyingly pastiche musical. (New York Post); "The happiest surprise of the Broadway season� (The Hollywood Reporter); "A disarming, delightful souffl� ." (The Associated Press); "I was delighted to be outside in fresh air." (New York Theatre Guide)
The Drowsy Chaperone won five 2006 Tony Awards, seven Drama Desk Awards and four Outer Critics Circle Awards.
To chase his blues away, a modern day musical theatre addict known simply as 'Man in Chair' (Bob Martin) drops the needle on his favorite LP � the 1928 musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone. From the crackle of his hi-fi, the musical magically bursts to life on stage, telling the tale of a pampered Broadway starlet who wants to give up show business to get married, her producer who sets out to sabotage the nuptials, her chaperone, the debonair groom, the dizzy chorine, the Latin lover and a pair of gangsters who double as pastry chefs.
The Drowsy Chaperone features Music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison and a book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar. The production is directed and choregraphed by Casey Nicholaw.
Set design is by David Gallo, with costumes by Gregg Barnes, lighting by Ken Billington and Brian Monahan and sound by Acme Sound Partners.
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