On the weekends of April the 20 and the 27, the performing arts presented the musical “The Drowsy Chaperone,” a spoof on 1920s American theater.

A representation of Jazz Age musicals, it is a “musical within a comedy” and demonstrates the effects of musicals on viewers like its narrator, the Man in Chair.

The Man in Chair, played by senior Chris O’Meara, is the quirky narrator who “controls” the musical through his vinyl record player. The curtain opens and he begins to tell of his infectious love of “The Drowsy Chaperone.”

The Man in Chair lets the musical play on as he watches, and the rest of the stage is illuminated. The main ingénue Janet, played by senior Lauren Simek and understudy junior Kristen Mills, is presented as a spoiled bride-to-be and Broadway star willing to give up her career to get married.

“I was really honored that they cast me as Janet,” said Simek. “The whole cast was amazing and they all took directions very well. They were fantastic.”

As for Mills as the understudy, she felt “so blessed to have been given this opportunity” as being one of the leading ladies and working with “such a great, close cast.”

Nothing but good things were said about the cast and directors, Nancy Cross and Tom George.

According to Mills, George and Cross have been “nothing but amazing,” from helping with characterization to working on songs. They were “truly amazing directors” who helped make the show fabulous.

Another cast member who brought the show to life was senior Blake Klein, who played Robert, Janet’s charming fiancée.

One of the most loved scenes by the viewers was the scene “Cold Feets” with Klein and senior Christian Aldridge. The two performed an impressive tap dance routine.

“It [the musical] was so fun, and it was the only musical I’ve ever done and I wish I had done more,” said Klein. “It was a lot of work; we put in hours of tap dancing, which I had never done before.”

Based on their spectacular tap performance, it seemed quite hard to believe Klein had never tapped before.

And of course, there was the drowsy chaperone, played by senior Olivia Stepp and understudy Ashley Knipp. Both great singers, the two brought the hilarious character to life.

The musical was also complete with other great performers and the ensemble, whose cute costumes particularly stood out on stage.

It was, from what I’ve seen, the best production Huntley High School has ever put on stage. Beyond the superb acting, the show was complete with a well-designed set, efficient set changes, music to fit every mood and spectacular lighting throughout the production.

I am proud to say that the show exceeded my expectations. Like the cast, the viewers and myself truly enjoyed the production.