The stage lights dimmed in the auditorium at Freedom Area High School as the opening notes of The Drowsy Chaperone filled the room, transporting the audience back into a 1920s Broadway musical. With lively tap numbers, witty humor, and a cast of dedicated student performers, this year’s production brought both laughter and nostalgia to the school community. 

“Theater affects people, like all art, by putting them into another person’s shoes, life, and perspective. It’s a chance to escape your own life, and to think, or consider another world, and most importantly, a chance to laugh and escape the everyday stress. Students who are involved in theater, build skills that will last the rest of their lives, from the ability to improvise and think on your feet, to the ability to accomplish more than you ever thought you could, to always having a community and second family to support and love you for who you are,” Ms. Heather Giammaria, musical producer, said.

For fifth and sixth graders, the musical was only open to the girls who joined the dance class the high school arranged to teach young girls ballet and jazz that some girls can’t afford.

“It’s a good opportunity for younger girls, but I wish it got out to other girls in 5th grade or girls who weren’t in the dance class the high school hosted over last fall. It’s overall a good time,” Aubrey Capehart (6), said.

As the characters burst onto the stage complete with gangsters, showgirls, a sleepy chaperone, and some intermission dancers, the production quickly becomes a whirlwind of comedy, romance, and energetic dance routines.

“I feel good about the costumes. They’re comfy and cute, but with leggings, it’s ugly. If we didn’t have the leggings, though, it would be too short,” Serina Shreckengost (6) said.

 “I think the musical is good, but at the same time it’s a little inappropriate,” Paisley Nelson (5) said. 

Freedom Area High School and some middle school students together spent weeks preparing for the performance, rehearsing choreography, memorizing songs, and building the colorful set that transforms the stage into a world inspired by classic Broadway shows. The result is a production that showcases not only the students’ talent but also the collaborative spirit of the school’s theater program.

Some of the songs they sang were “Toledo Surprise”, “Fancy Dress”, “Cold Feet”, “Show Off”, “I am Aldolpho”, and “An Accident Waiting to Happen”! These songs made the crowd excited for what’s going to happen next, as the first opening song was Fancy Dress starring Mrs. Tottendale, George, Kitty, Feldzieg, Robert, and the Drowsy Chaperone. 

“I love this year’s show! This was something that has been near and dear to Miss Evans’ heart, and she has wanted to do for years! This was the perfect year, and perfect cast to pull it off, as I heard from the audience. Everyone who watched enjoyed it so much. Hopefully the community found an appreciation for a newer, less known show. The cast and crew showed up big time. They worked hard, we’re always prepared, and as always, became a big family.” Giammaria said.

This year’s musical was said to be the craziest and the saddest by saying goodbye to all of the wonderful seniors including Brandon Yeager (Man in the Chair), Abby Hunter (Janet Van de Graaff), Hannah Shaffer (The Drowsy Chaperone), Colton Blank (Robert Martin), Phoebe Smith (Trix), Aubrey Boyd (Superintendent), Alexis Cooper (ensemble), Artie Evans (Crew), Leo Kaleugher (Crew), Johnathan Bruce (Crew). Hunter and Smith have been doing theater and musicals for 5 years straight! Then Bruce with 4 years, Kaleugher, Evans, and Shaffer with 3 years, Boyd, Blank and Yeager with 2 years, and lastly Cooper with 1 year of musical theater.  

“You are never going to regret joining theater, musical. I have known plenty of students who have joined and only regretted the years that they didn’t join the musical. If you are scared to be in the show, you could join the stage crew, and help out behind the scenes, or join the fun on stage as part of the ensemble. There is no feeling like stepping onto the stage and hearing the audience cheer for you.  Come act, sing, dance, paint, build, or play a tree in the background. There’s a spot for everyone next September. Keep your eyes and ears open for a meeting with me at the middle school for information on signing up and auditioning!” the director Heather Giammaria said.

From the first laugh to the final curtain call, The Drowsy Chaperone promised an evening of entertainment and a celebration of student creativity with the Freedom Area High School drama club.