The Drowsy Chaperone

The show opens with the Man in Chair sitting in his living room remarking about feeling “self-conscious anxiety resulting in non-specific sadness,” a state he calls “blue.” To turn his day around he looks to his collection of Broadway records and debates which to play. He decides to play his favorite record, a recording of the 1928 hit musical comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone. As the record plays, the show comes to life, transforming the Man’s living room into a bold and lively Broadway stage. The Man narrates and provides his commentary for the audience as the show plays.

The recording starts with the opening number and the characters flood the stage, preparing for a wedding. The hostess, Ms. Tottendale, enters in her fanciest dress seeking out her loyal employee, Underling. She is excited to wear her dress, but cannot seem to remember why she put it on (“Fancy Dress”). Underling exclaims that there is going to be a wedding and the ensemble rejoices. Robert Martin, the bridegroom, enters