UON Musos brings broadway to Newcastle with “Drowsy Chaperone”

UON Musos are bringing Newcastle their next hit musical, originally written by Bob Martin and Don Mckellar, “The Drowsy Chaperone”, which is bound to take their audiences back to the glitz and glamour of Broadway’s Golden Age.

In early April, I set out on from the bustling city campus to the tranquil grounds of Callaghan. There, I joined the talented UON Musos for an exclusive look behind the curtain of their highly anticipated new production, “The Drowsy Chaperone”.

As I entered the rehearsal space, the air was filled with a palpable sense of excitement and creativity. Fortunate to witness the cast and crew as they stumbled — choreographed small segments of the show before piecing them together to ensure a seamless flow. Each act bringing the characters to life, one entrance at a time, designed to grab the audiences attention. I found myself drawn into the process, eagerly anticipating the final performance that will unfold on stage at the Playhouse Civic Theatre from May 15th to 18th.

With four remarkable shows under their belt and an astonishing four award nominations for their last musical, Into The Woods, this talented theatre club has firmly established itself as a rising force in the local performing arts scene. Each production has showcased their dedication, and flair for storytelling, captivating audiences and critics alike. Their ability to breathe new life into classic tales has earned them not only praise but a growing following eager to see what they’ll bring to the stage next.

The show opens with a character known only as the “Man in the Chair,” who acts as both the narrator and the audience’s guide through the unfolding story. As he reflects on his cherished musical soundtracks, he shows us (the audience) “The Drowsy Chaperone,” a musical that pays homage to the Jazz Age of the 1920s.

“Witnessing the teams hard work culminate in a harmonious blend of diverse ideas is truly rewarding, showcasing the power of creative expression.”

— states the Musos team.

In his profoundly lonely world, the audience is drawn into the lives of the main characters: Janet, a Broadway star who is retiring from the spotlight to marry the charming Robert Martin, and the various people in their lives who have differing opinions about the wedding. As the narrative unfolds, it evolves into a musical within a play, where the characters come to life and fill the small space of his living room.

I believe this play symbolises how deeply meaningful and relatable characters can become to individuals, especially during profound moments of loneliness and yearning for connection, all while maintaining comedic timing.

But I won’t spoil too much more.

Love the arts or helping create the magic behind a show? You can learn more about our universities theatre club here.