NEIL HORNER
news@pqbnews.com
There was nobody even close to nodding off Thursday night when Bard to Broadway presented their production of the multiple Tony Award-winning play, The Drowsy Chaperone.
There’s a good reason for that. The action on stage at the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach was far too entertaining and the laughter was far too loud — not to mention the furious applause after many of the numbers.
It’s tough to pick a highlight from this thoroughly entertaining show. Was it Adolpho, the romantic buffoon, ably played by Rob Atkinson? Quite possibly, if you listen to the chatter from the crowd during intermission.
But Jessica Atkinson absolutely sparkled as Janet Van De Graaff and Marilyn Holt was no slouch either in her role as the Drowsy Chaperone. Then again, Rhyan Cayen as Trix the Aviatrix, Paul Churchill as Underling and Jenny Atkinson as Mrs. Tottendale all played their supporting roles with flair and Bard to Broadway veteran Gary Brown carried the show in fine form as the man in the chair.
In fact, there were no weaklings in the cast at all, from the pastry chef/gangsters to the chorus girls.
Speaking of the chorus girls, the dance numbers were a delight. In the case of the routine Don’t Want to Show off No More, it was acrobatic and an accident waiting to happen, bordering on dangerous. Bravo! Was this an opening night? You wouldn’t know it.
The costumes were great, the staging was fine, but what’s really important is the laughter. I’ve been to some comedies that didn’t elicit a smirk or a grin, but The Drowsy Chaperone was not one of these. I laughed long, loud and often — as did the rest of the packed house. At the closing curtain, the audience gave the cast a standing ovation that was richly deserved.
It’s unfortunate that the human anatomy only allows me to give this show two thumbs up, but I can assure you they are way, way up. If you want an evening of top-flight and some serious belly laughs, snatch up some tickets to this show. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. What fun!
Tickets for The Drowsy Chaperone are $21 for adults, $19 for seniors and students and $11 for children. The play runs to August 17 at the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach. For tickets and more information visit www.b2btheatre.com or call 250-752-4470.
