Character guide
The Drowsy Chaperone
from The Drowsy Chaperone
The Drowsy Chaperone is the boozy, larger-than-life title character within the show-within-a-show at the heart of the 2006 musical The Drowsy Chaperone.
- Show
- The Drowsy Chaperone
- Premiered
- 2006
- Role
- Lead
- Composer
- Lambert & Morrison
Who is The Drowsy Chaperone?
Within the fictional 1920s musical that Man in Chair plays on his record, the Drowsy Chaperone is assigned to keep watch over the bride-to-be on her wedding day, though she is far more interested in enjoying herself than actually chaperoning anyone. Her tipsy grandeur and theatrical flair make her one of the most vivid personalities in the show-within-the-show.
She embodies the glamorous excess of old-school musical comedy that Man in Chair adores, delivering big entrances and bigger attitude while barely managing to do the job her name implies.
Playing the Drowsy Chaperone on stage
This is a lead role that calls for a performer with a powerhouse voice and a flair for old-fashioned musical comedy stylings, since the character is meant to evoke the grand divas of a bygone Broadway era. Comic timing and a willingness to be gloriously theatrical are essential to landing the part.
Audiences enjoy the character because she is a loving parody, gently sending up the tropes of vintage musicals while also giving a performer one of the score's most flamboyant showcase moments.
Frequently asked
What show is the Drowsy Chaperone from?
The Drowsy Chaperone is the title character of the musical of the same name, which opened in 2006.
Is the Drowsy Chaperone a lead or supporting role?
She is a lead role within the show-within-a-show that forms the core of the musical.
Who wrote the music for The Drowsy Chaperone?
The music and lyrics were written by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison.
Think you can name today's mystery character in eight guesses?
Play today's THEATERLE