The Pierson High School spring show, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” billed as a musical within a comedy, is taking the stage in Sag Harbor tonight through Saturday. Performances are nightly at 7, with a matinee Saturday at 2.
“ ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ is an extremely engaging and original musical,” said Rowan McManus, a senior who plays the Man in the Chair. “It has a unique structure, as it is shown through the perspective of the Man in the Chair as he leads the audience through his favorite musical from 1928. It highlights the importance of the arts in the modern day through a story that is very funny but also touches on many important topics.”
Bethany Dellapolla, the musical director, chose it because she thought it would be a good challenge for her student actors. “It’s actually one of my favorite musicals. I think it’s an underrated gem. While on the surface it appears really fluffy and light and fun, there’s actually a much deeper message underneath and a really powerful message about how art can uplift us when we’re feeling blue.”
She also liked its length. “This show is only an hour and a half long. It’s very in, out, done. And I thought for the time period that we had, this was also a great choice — even with the shortened rehearsal period we had — we’re doing really well and I’m excited for everyone to come see it!”
The student actors have spent the last week honing their skills and fine tuning their performance. From singing to dancing, costumes and lighting, they’ve been working on getting everything just right. Gabby Hugo, a freshman, plays George. “Taking on the role of George has been challenging but such a wonderful experience. I have overcome many challenges such as expanding my vocal range and tap dancing. Thankfully I had a great learning journey with amazing mentors. As I’ve been developing the role of George more and more, I have learned that I can overcome many challenges if I just commit.”
Lilianna Anderson, another freshman in the ensemble, has acted at Pierson before, but never in the high school musical. “Being a high schooler doing the play versus a middle schooler is very different. The high school musicals seem to have a sort of feeling that makes it feel like the theater is your home. Safe to say, because of that homey feeling that is brought by the cast, I will most certainly be doing it again throughout my years at Pierson.”
This weekend’s performances are bittersweet for Rowan; they’re his last at Pierson. “I have participated in Pierson theater since sixth grade. I have had such an amazing time working on every show I have been in, and I am excited to be acting in my final Pierson production this year, but I also am sad that this is my last time getting to work with this group of people. Although I am not going to be studying theater, I intend to keep acting in college.”
Don’t expect many sad moments this weekend. If you’re looking for a laugh, “The Drowsy Chaperone” is sure to delight.
“I like how comedic it is and how light and funny the show is,” said Shoshana Sobey, a sophomore who plays Janet Van de Graaf.
“ ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ is a very unique show,” Gabby said. “You don’t just listen to it — you experience it! You get taken to a whole new world.”