High School Students Preparing for 'The Drowsy Chaperone'

The students and staff who comprise the cast and crew of this year’s production, titled “The Drowsy Chaperone," are just about three weeks away from opening night and are excited to present a trio of entertaining performances to the Manchester community.

“It’s a zany musical taking place during the Roaring Twenties,” said the student cast. “There are a lot of unexpected happenings, twists and turns, satire and mayhem.”

Among the performers for this year’s production are a mixture of veterans and newcomers to the acting game, lead roles and ensemble ones, and all are looking forward to lighting up their school’s stage.

“Drama is a good time. It’s something where you get to meet new friends and make new connections," said cast member Pedro Rubio. Rubio is playing the role of Adolfo, who he referred to as a “philandering foreigner."

Cast member Eryn Barnes (playing the part of Janet, a showgirl), said that this is her first year attending the high school. The drama department has been “very accepting” and she “easily made new friends," she said.

Playing the role of Kitty is student Sydney Kauffman, who explained that the overall experience was made enjoyable by the directors and staff helping to coordinate the production.

“If I’m ever in a bad mood, I come here to rehearsal and I get happy,” she said.

Student Shannon Jirkovsky said that there is something to be said for their directors’ punctuality. “If they say rehearsal starts at a certain time, you’re there. Ms. [Sarah] Thiffault is very punctual,” Jirkovsky said.

Cheyenne Jacobs, who plays the Superintendent, said that although she initially wasn’t familiar with the “The Drowsy Chaperone” before joining the cast, she quickly discovered its humor and offered it high praise.

“I think it’s right up there with ‘Hairspray,' ‘Grease’ and ‘The Lion King’,” she said.

The cast emphasized that they are rehearsing every single day until opening night, and that the camaraderie and chemistry which is shown in rehearsal will emerge in their future performances.

In addition to the cast, the staff and crew of “The Drowsy Chaperone” are Thiffault and Tracey Raimondo as directors, Jillian Reed as choreographer, Rick DiMarco as chief set constructor and Christine Lee and Carol Moroz as stage managers/assistant directors, with Stephen Esche providing musical accompaniment.

Opening night is slated for Friday, March 2 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Additional performances are scheduled there on Saturday, March 3 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students (in advance), with a $10 charge at the door.

For more information, please call the high school at 732-657-2121.