Glitz, glam and giggles to take center stage in Old Rochester musical “The Drowsy Chaperone”
The Old Rochester cast of “The Drowsy Chaperone” strikes a pose during rehearsal. Photos by Grace Ann Natanawan
Sophomore Tessa Ripley as the Woman in the Chair.
Junior Amanda Tomasso, sophomore Gianna Annunziato, junior Madison Detrani, senior Sienna Roveda, and senior Calder Eaton pose together for a photo.
Senior Calder Eaton and senior Christian Pedulli stand back to back.
Freshmen Grace Victoria and Libby Achilles in costume as chambermaids.
Freshman Mara Donnelly, junior Charlotte Cook and junior Madison Detrani stand together in costume.
Sophomore Lincoln Fauteux and junior Amanda Tomasso pose in character.
Junior Cole Gretton and senior Beverly Morse working in the tech booth for “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
The Old Rochester cast of “The Drowsy Chaperone” strikes a pose during rehearsal. Photos by Grace Ann Natanawan
Sophomore Tessa Ripley as the Woman in the Chair.
Junior Amanda Tomasso, sophomore Gianna Annunziato, junior Madison Detrani, senior Sienna Roveda, and senior Calder Eaton pose together for a photo.
Senior Calder Eaton and senior Christian Pedulli stand back to back.
Freshmen Grace Victoria and Libby Achilles in costume as chambermaids.
Freshman Mara Donnelly, junior Charlotte Cook and junior Madison Detrani stand together in costume.
Sophomore Lincoln Fauteux and junior Amanda Tomasso pose in character.
Junior Cole Gretton and senior Beverly Morse working in the tech booth for “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
MATTAPOISETT — Old Rochester Regional High School’s upcoming production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” is anything but lethargic.
Spearheaded by director Brayden Fanti, the musical exudes an infectious comedic energy that is only amplified by the dedication of the student actors.
The cast strolled across the stage to get into positions, dressed in flamboyant floor length gowns, white furs, capes and tailcoats.
Taking on these larger-than-life comedic roles takes commitment and attention to detail, according to the actors.
“I had to learn to tap dance for it but it was fun. I got to do it with my best man, but I think that was probably the most challenging bit to commit to,” said Calder Eaton, Old Rochester senior and Mattapoisett resident who plays the role of groom-to-be Robert Martin.
Eaton describes his character as a “snobby oil guy” who carries himself in a “Frank Sinatra-ish” manner.
Junior and Mattapoisett resident Amanda Tomasso says she enjoys playing the over-the-top role of the titular Drowsy Chaperone.
“She’s all about herself. She’s drunk the whole show and she has rousing anthems,” said Tomasso.
Originally a member of the backstage crew during her freshman year, Tomasso was inspired to start acting in Old Rochester productions after seeing how much fun the cast had.
“I started auditioning at the end of freshman year and I’ve been acting ever since,” said Tomasso.
Old Rochester senior and Marion resident Sienna Roveda says that her role as star actress and bride-to-be Janet Van De Graaf was physically intensive due to the amount of solo dancing.
“This is probably the most I’ve ever had to dance for a show by myself,” said Roveda. “One of the numbers includes some acrobatic stuff and it’s a lot of holding long notes, which after dancing can be hard.”
Sophomore and Mattapoisett resident Tessa Ripley says memorization was her biggest challenge in this production.
“It was a lot to memorize,” said Ripley. “Brayden said in his words, ‘It’s like memorizing the Bible.’ It was a little tough, but still fun.”
Ripley hopes that the audience identifies with her character, the Woman in the Chair, who struggles with mental health and listens to the fictional 1920s musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” as an escape from her lonely life.
“I just hope people resonate with it and resonate with my character, the anxiety and depression part of it. I think it’s really valuable,” said Ripley.
While the students work hard in their roles, the rehearsal is still filled with laughs and excitement for the upcoming show.
Fanti says he has performed this show twice in the past and he cherishes getting to see the students experience the same joy he did.
“Seeing them have the same fun and get to be as goofy and have the same memories I made, it’s meant a lot and it’s been very nostalgic for me,” said Fanti.
Performances will take place from Thursday, April 10 through Saturday, April 12 at 7 p.m. with an accompanying matinee show on Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/friends-of-old-rochester-drama-55739624113 or in person at the Marion General Store, Isabelle’s or Friends Marketplace. Student and senior citizen tickets are priced at $12 while general admission tickets are $15.
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