Tell us about the musical The Drowsy Chaperone – what’s it about?
You’re joining the Man in Chair (me) in his home as he takes you on this journey through his favourite musical “The Drowsy Chaperone”. On stage, you’ll see the story (from what’s in his head) come alive on stage. He is a complex, cynical and sad human being who desperately relies on the recording of the musical to make him feel somewhat normal and he invents a big and vivacious 1920’s old-school musical spectacular!
You play the title character – and he has a different function to the rest of the cast – tell us about that?
Whilst on face value he takes you through musical as opposed to being in it, what he actually does is allow you to have an insight into his ‘safe’ little world. His interjections and comments will certainly have you laughing as they cleverly contrast the recording he is playing you. However, what you come to realise is that he is actually a reflection of all of us who struggle day to day with their own challenges and you come to understand how they find a little glimmer of hope by escaping to the magical world of musical theatre. Why else do you come see a show?
Tell us more about yourself – what do you do outside of the rehearsal room?
Outside of the rehearsal room I am a Specialist Teacher who works with student’s emotional and social challenges. I’ve been in this area of education for over 7 years and never tire of it.
I grew up in Wollongong and moved to Sydney 7 years ago and I am engaged to Alisia Jedrzejczak who plays Janet. We met in another NSTC musical ‘The Hot Mikado’ in 2017.
We both love travelling and find ourselves overseas every ten weeks- We’re broke but well-travelled.
How are rehearsals going – what do you find challenging and rewarding?
It’s been weird! You’re in the show, but you’re not in show.
Overall, he’s been a tricky character to play. How do you respectfully capture someone who has struggled to have and maintain relationships, has a mental health drug addiction and lives in a protected bubble whilst still being funny? I’ve spent the majority of my time doing a lot of research around the Man in Chair. I’ve also had some great mentors to consult with around the character development. Hopefully, I am able to take audiences on a bit of a journey whilst drawing a good laugh.
The greatest challenge, has been rehearsing at home- it’s been Man in Chair vs Janet. Who is the ‘real’ star? Who!?! You can imagine, Janet is belting out a tune whilst I’m trying to rehearse a monologue. The competition is fierce (but healthy).
In what ways are you similar to your character onstage and in what ways are you different?
Man in Chair and I are similar in oh so many way, which concerns both me and my therapist. But we don’t need to go into that area.
Anyway, in the show, Man in Chair is sitting back and listening to the dramas around Janet’s wedding. In real life, I sit back and watch the dramas surrounding my wedding (with Alisia who plays Janet).
What can audiences look forward to most – why should people come and see The Drowsy Chaperone?
I knew of the character “Man in Chair” well before I knew about the musical he’s actually in. I’ve used some of his monologues over the years, but to see the show in its’ entirety has blown my mind. It’s is an absolute blast. A mix of old school musical theatre and its’ over-the-top show stopping scenes juxtaposed by the cynical Man in Chair. It really is a clever show, and I know audiences will love it!
How do you prepare for an audition?
Preparing for an audition is really hard. When preparing the character, I’m up late every night searching for as much information as possible around the show and the characters themselves. For instance, in preparation for the Man in Chair, I spent weeks looking at the character understanding who he is meant to be. For example, although he is a comical being, he has a lot of issues for instance he doesn’t leave the home. His life is centralised around this imagined ‘crusade’ to protect and give purpose to classical musical theatre which in turn provides him with a sense of purpose. Also, I need to learn what a functioning prescription drug addict looks like compounded with the characteristics of a man who has been horribly hurt and let down by society.
What is the most valuable piece of advice that you have been given?
“Know your character and know your show. If you don’t, it shows. If you do, it shows. Its’ your choice.” I received it from Gerry Lewis who I met when I was an international flight attendant years ago. His characters were hilarious, but this conversation with him made me understand there is so much more. And it shows. That’s why he was who he was.
Who has inspired you the most personally or professionally?
My Dad with his line that used to infuriate me, but now it’s my mantra “don’t worry, it always works out in the end”. The process might be hard, but he’s right (so annoying when your parents end up being right!) it always does work out in the end. It has pulled me through a lot of tough times.
If you could send out a tweet that would reach the entire world, what would it say?
“Stop wigging out and just breathe. It always works out in the end.”
6 – 15 Sept 2019
Venue: Zennith Theatre
Theatre Company: Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Duration: N/A
$47 adults
$42 concession
$38 children and groups 10+
Wed – sat 7:30pm
Matinees: Sat 2pm & Sun 3pm
By Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
A loving send-up of American musical comedy from the 1920s, The Drowsy Chaperone charts the dream-come-true moment when a die-hard theatre fan plays his favourite cast album and the characters come to life in his living room.
This five time Tony Award winning show playfully pokes fun at musical theatre tropes. From two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone, the show has all necessary ingredients for delightful hilarity.
Kelly Horrigan directs North Shore Theatre Company’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone and said of her vision for the show: “The musical is based on the imagination of one man, and – like a child playing alone – it gets bigger every time he plays, so there is a lot of room for this production to grow and develop. Each character brings their own flare and energy and I cannot wait to channel it into one incredibly entertaining show.”
