The Canadian College of the Performing Arts (CCPA) is pulling in something special to celebrate its 25th anniversary: for the first time, the college is showcasing the multiple Tony Award-winning Canadian hit The Drowsy Chaperone.
Far from being sleep-inducing, the show is “perhaps the greatest Canadian musical the public has probably never heard of,” managing artistic director Caleb Marshall said in a press release.
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“It will be a delightful surprise for many. A modern throwback jam-packed with everything you could ever hope to cram into a musical.”
The show runs Feb. 9 to 17 at the CCPA’s Performance Hall in Oak Bay, and its addition to CCPA’s season will make it the most significant season of Canadian programming in the school’s history, according to the school.
The story brings to life the fictional 1928 show The Drowsy Chaperone, as a middle-aged musical theatre fan who is feeling blue decides to play the LP for the audience.
In the seat of musical director is Jeff Poynter, a local favourite and member of West My Friend. Musical theatre director and choreographer Dayna Tekatch, known for her work on productions like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Come From Away, will bring the dance to life.
The inherent fun of the show comes from the fact that it was first created between artists and friends in 1997 as an engagement gift for a stag party.
It’s since evolved into more family-friendly content and is now one of the most successful Canadian musicals ever created.
The production stars CCPA’s Studio Ensemble Program students in their final showcase before graduation.
“It is a love letter to the art form and a joy-filled way for the program to culminate,” Tekatch said.
Tickets for The Drowsy Chaperone are $35 at ccpacanada.com, through the box office or by calling 250-595-9970 ext. 104.
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