'Drowsy Chaperone Jr.' opens tonight at Post Falls High school

The chaperone may be drowsy, but there's nothing sleepy about Post Falls High School Trojan Theatre's energetic spring musical, "The Drowsy Chaperone Jr."

"This is my first time actually being in a show," senior Destanie Dunbar said on a rainy Tuesday evening before rehearsal in the school's auditorium.

Destanie plays the eponymous Drowsy Chaperone.

"She's just there for the party," Destanie said. "She sings this big anthem about moving on, going through life one day at a time and then all of sudden she's gone. She lives very carefree, she knows who she is, she's very calm, very laid back."

"The Drowsy Chaperone Jr.," opening at 7 tonight, is a one-hour, family-friendly adaptation of the 2006 comedy musical based on the book by Bob Martin and Dan McKellar with music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison.

The show opens with a lonely bachelor, the Man in the Chair played by Gavin Tibulski, reminiscing over his favorite vinyl record and taking the audience along on a musical journey through a 1920s Broadway show: "The Drowsy Chaperone." The musical-within-a-musical is filled with old-timey song and dance, whimsy and word play, gangsters and pastry chefs and romance and razzle dazzle.

Markas Sofaly, a senior, is also enjoying a stage debut in the role of best man George.

"I've always loved musicals. Growing up I listened to 'Hamilton' religiously," Markas said. "I always told myself, 'If the school does a musical, I'll audition.'"

When "Drowsy Chaperone" came along, Markas couldn't resist its heart and humor.

"This is a really funny show, so I was like, 'I want to be a part of it,' so I auditioned," Markas said.

The comedy will also be a huge draw for audience members, Markas said, as well as the way it breaks the fourth wall.

"It engages the audience a lot more, like we did with 'Sherlock' earlier this (school) year," Markas said.

Post Falls High speech and theater arts teacher Jared McDougall is the director and choreographer of "Drowsy Chaperone," which has a cast of 27 and a crew of about 20. Eastern Washington University accompanist Beth Rainey is the musical director.

This is McDougall's first time directing a musical. He said it's a job that comes with its own joys and challenges when compared to a traditional play.

"But hearing the students sing these songs and getting to return to my roots as a dancer when teaching them the choreography has been a wonderful experience," he said.

This is Post Falls' first musical since spring of 2022. It is a fresh experience for students who have not experienced a musical at the high school level.

"They have been so dedicated while learning all of these new skills," McDougall said.

He said he chose this show to provide students with a chance to explore a musical that is accessible to modern audiences and just plain silly.

"There has been so much laughter in the rehearsal room this whole process," he said. "However, 'The Drowsy Chaperone' also touches on important themes regarding love, choices and personal passions, including the role of theater and the arts in our lives.

"One of my favorite quotes from the show also applies to our production: 'I know it's not a perfect show ... But none of that matters. It does what a musical is supposed to do: It takes you to another world. And it gives you a little tune to carry with in your head ... a little something for when you're feeling blue.'"

"The Drowsy Chaperone Jr." is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. Visit mtishows.com for details.

"The Drowsy Chaperone Jr." runs through April 24. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Admission is $5 for students and $10 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the door or ahead of time at the school's business office. 

Post Falls High is at 2832 E. Poleline Ave.

    From left, Tony Vasquez, Lyric Gonzales, Tack Manning and Willow Bryan rehearse a scene from "The Drowsy Chaperone Jr.," opening tonight at Post Falls High School.
  

    Man in Chair Gavin Tibulski is about to put a record on the player Tuesday during rehearsal for "The Drowsy Chaperone Jr.," opening tonight on the Post Falls High School stage. The show runs through April 24.