Kicking off the new year with a little something different, Manitoba Theatre Centre’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone is a high-energy rendition of this spoof on 1920s-style musicals.

It begins as we are introduced to, and subsequently guided through, the musical by the endearing and entertaining Man in Chair, played by actor Dean Paul Gibson. Man in Chair functions as a modern day narrator, playing a record of his favourite Broadway musical for the audience to enjoy. As the play continues, Man in Chair intermittently injects his own personal thoughts and opinions in a witty manner, poking gentle fun at Broadway musicals. The Drowsy Chaperone itself is the title of one such (fictional) musical that Man in Chair is so enamoured with.

Playing off of the stereotypical Broadway show, The Drowsy Chaperone‘s plot follows the story of a musical theatre star who falls in love and decides to leave the stage to get married. It incorporates playful, silly comedic gestures in this very simple tale of a small misunderstanding between bride and groom.

Because Man in Chair interrupts the musical periodically to point out key details to the audience, the actors are often required to freeze in position before carrying out their scene several moments later.

The timing is absolutely perfect, especially in one scene where Mrs. Tottendale (Debbie Maslowsky) must repeat the same action over and over as Man in Chair “fast forwards” the record.

Keeping with the 1920s Broadway musical stereotype, the lyrics are absurd yet witty, and made all the more amusing by the over-exaggeration displayed by the performers.

The tunes are delightfully catchy and the actors’ singing voices maintain a beautiful range of expression. In particular, Kyle Blair’s performance as the groom during the tap-dance number Cold Feet is a delight for both the eyes and the ears.

Although there were a few sound-production issues to begin with, they were cleared up fairly quickly.

Complete with musicians in the orchestra pit, this lively musical is conducted with plenty of spirit.

The costumes are flashy in a good way, contributing to the 1920s feel, and the ever-changing set is designed in similar fashion.

Were it an actual musical, The Drowsy Chaperone may have been tiresome, but as a “musical within a comedy,” this parody is an unabashedly fun and overwhelmingly enjoyable break from the every day.