'The Drowsy Chaperone' To Play At Jersey Shore Theatre

MARGATE, NJ — Fool Moon Theatre Company will stage "The Drowsy Chaperone" on July 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26 at Margate Community Church, 8900 Ventnor Parkway, Margate. The entrance is on Thurlow Avenue. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Tickets are priced at $35 for regular admission, $30 for seniors, and $25 for students. Advance tickets are available at foolmoontheatre.org. According to the announcement, cash, check, credit cards, and Venmo will be accepted for tickets at the door. Group sales are available by text at 609-457-0903.

The production is the Tony Award-winning musical "The Drowsy Chaperone," described in the announcement as a send-up of the Golden Age musical and a parody of 1920s American screwball musical comedies. The announcement also notes that the show won five Tony Awards.

“'The Drowsy Chaperone' is an ingenious story about how a Broadway musical comes to life in a die-hard theater fan’s apartment and helps him find joy and purpose in life,” said director Paul Herron. “Plus it’s chockfull of laughs and terrific dance routines.”

The cast includes Mike Palmreuter as the obsessed theater fan, Nick Efstatos and Erin Maegerle as the star-crossed lovers, Mark Sarto as the Broadway producer, Chikita Wallace as the matron and Joey Mangum as the drowsy chaperone. “A truly stellar cast,” Herron said, “and the ensemble is made up of exceptionally talented young performers.”

According to the announcement, Joe Lazarus designed and created the set. Rob Tucker is the musical director, and Francesca Merlino is the choreographer.

Audience members also will have a chance to hear from the production team after the July 19 matinee. The company said it will host a talkback with the cast and creative team to discuss "The Drowsy Chaperone," local theater and ways to get involved with Fool Moon Theatre.

New York Magazine is quoted in the announcement calling it "The Perfect Broadway Musical," and Variety is quoted calling it “a Valentine of a musical.”

“It’s that and more,” Herron said. "At its heart, it shows the importance of imagination and the arts play in all our lives.”