The Drowsy Chaperone
Written By: Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Creative Team: • David Sinclair – Director
• Rodney Hrvatin – Musical Director
• Kerry-Lynne Hauber – Co-Choreographer
• Chloe Svaikauskas – Co-Choreographer
• Stage Manager – Amanda Rowe
• Production Manager – Misch O’Keeffe
The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving and hilarious parody and celebration of the golden age of Broadway musicals. The story begins with a lonely theatre fan known simply as Man in Chair, who invites the audience into his apartment to listen to the recording of his favourite 1928 musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. As he plays the record, the show magically comes to life in his living room, and the audience is transported into the glamorous, exaggerated world of a classic Jazz Age musical.
The musical-within-the-musical follows Janet Van De Graaff, a glamorous Broadway star who has decided to give up show business to marry wealthy oil tycoon Robert Martin. On the morning of their wedding, a series of comic complications unfold. Janet’s producer tries desperately to stop the wedding to save his show, a pair of gangsters masquerade as pastry chefs to sabotage the ceremony, a dim-witted best man attempts to keep everything running smoothly, and the well-meaning but perpetually tipsy Drowsy Chaperone struggles to keep the bride calm.
As misunderstandings, disguises, and show-stopping musical numbers pile up, the wedding appears increasingly doomed. But, in true musical comedy fashion, everything resolves with joyful absurdity, romance triumphs, and the cast celebrates in a dazzling finale. Throughout the performance, Man in Chair continues to comment on the action, sharing his passion for old musicals and revealing why this show means so much to him.
Both a hilarious spoof and a heartfelt tribute, The Drowsy Chaperone celebrates the escapist magic of musical theatre and the joy it brings to those who love it.
The musical has been widely acclaimed, winning five Tony Awards in 2006, including Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score, and seven Drama Desk Awards. It also received the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical following its London production. With its clever script, affectionate satire, and energetic score, The Drowsy Chaperone has become a favourite with theatre companies and audiences around the world.
Audition Information:
| Audition Information #:1 | |
| Date: | 20/06/2026 |
| Time From – Time to: | 010:00 – 18:40 |
| Audition Information #:2 | |
| Date: | 21/06/2026 |
| Time From – Time to: | 10:00 – 18:40 |
| Character Descriptions #:1 | |
| Role Name: | Janet Van de Graaff |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | 30s |
| Role Information: | Star of Feldzieg’s Follies who is conflicted about giving up her life on the stage to marry Robert Martin. Attractive, vivacious, outgoing personality. She loves being the center of attention and is the consummate 1920s starlet. Strong movement and special skills (acrobatics, juggling, splits etc.) a plus. Vocal range: Alto with big belt (G3-E5) |
| Character Descriptions #:2 | |
| Role Name: | Robert Martin |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | 30s |
| Role Information: | The groom-to-be who is deeply in love with Janet. He is the token 1920s leading man – debonair, dashing, and a matinee idol. He is cheesy, cheerful, and optimistic. Must be able to tap dance and roller skate. Vocal range: Tenor (C3 – Ab4) |
| Character Descriptions #:3 | |
| Role Name: | Adolpho |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | 40s |
| Role Information: | Latin lothario. A womanizing cad who is very impressed with himself. He is confident, vigorous, and a buffoon. Vaudeville-style acting and fake Spanish/Italian accent required. Should have great comic timing. Vocal range: Bass/Baritone + great falsetto (A#2-G4) |
| Character Descriptions #:4 | |
| Role Name: | Mrs Tottendale |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | 50s |
| Role Information: | A wealthy widow and host of the wedding. She is flighty, eccentric, often times forgetful, and funny. She is absolutely charming, bubbly and oblivious to the confusion her behavior generates in other people. Vocal range: Alto character voice (G3-Db5) |
| Character Descriptions #:5 | |
| Role Name: | Feldzieg |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | 50s |
| Role Information: | Harried producer who will do anything to stop the wedding in order to keep Janet in the Follies. He is nervous, sarcastic, impatient, overbearing, and insensitive. Vocal range: Baritone (Db3-Db4) |
| Character Descriptions #:6 | |
| Role Name: | Kitty |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | 30s |
| Role Information: | Classic 1920’s dumb blonde chorine. She is Feldzieg’s “companion” and will do anything to be a leading lady. A cross between Norma Cassady from Victor Victoria and Lena Lamont from Singin’ in the Rain. Vocal range: Soprano comedic belt (Bb3-F5) |
| Character Descriptions #:7 | |
| Role Name: | George |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | 30s |
| Role Information: | Robert’s anxious best man. He is loyal, sincere, and nervous. Makes looking out for Robert’s interests his top priority so that the wedding will come off without a hitch. Must be able to tap. Vocal range: Tenor (F3-Bb4) |
| Character Descriptions #:8 | |
| Role Name: | Gangsters 1 and 2 |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | 30s |
| Role Information: | Two jovial gangsters who are posing as pastry chefs. Typical 1920s Broadway gangsters full of word play and stylized movements. Good comic timing and dancing skills required. Vocal range: Tenor (Db3-Gb4) |
| Character Descriptions #:9 | |
| Role Name: | Trix the Aviatrix |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | 30s |
| Role Information: | The brave and brash female aviator. She is sassy, sleek and a take charge kind of gal. May double in the ensemble. Vocal range: Alto (Ab3-Eb5) |
| Character Descriptions #:10 | |
| Role Name: | Ensemble |
| Gender: | Undefined |
| Stage Age: | |
| Role Information: | Varying Stage Ages (20-40) A strong, dancing/singing ensemble consisting of 4 men and 4 women. Vocal range: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass |
More Information at: https://adelaiderep.com/auditions-current/5687
Auditions will be held at Restless Dance Theatre – 195 Gilles Street Adelaide (enter from car park at rear of building)
The roles of “Man in Chair”, “The Chaperone” and “Underling” have been pre-cast and therefore are not available to audition for. We are excited to announce that Scott Nell and Bronwyn James are reprising their star performances in these roles. All other roles are available.
• Your audition will comprise a 10 minute individual audition for dialogue and vocals. You are also required to attend a 20 minute group audition for movement and choreography.
Movement auditions are scheduled in the middle of each group.
If your audition is in the 1st half of a group, then your movement audition will be after your individual audition. (For example: audition time 10:10am then your movement audition will be 10:50am)
If your audition is in the 2nd half of a group, then you must arrive in time for the commencement of the movement audition in your group. (For example: audition time 11:30am then arrive early to attend the 10:50am movement audition).
Performance Dates
• Bump In Sunday 8th November 2026
• Performance 1 Thursday 12th November 7.30pm
• Performance 2 Friday 13th November 7.30pm
• Performance 3 Saturday 14th November 7.30pm
• Performance 4 Sunday 15th November 4.00pm
• Performance 5 Thursday 19th November 7.30pm
• Performance 6 Friday 20th November 7.30pm
• Performance 7 Saturday 21st November 2.00pm
• Performance 8 Saturday 21st November 7.30pm
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will be held Monday and Wednesday evenings 7.00pm to 10.00pm, Sunday’s (time to be confirmed).
Rehearsals will commence on 17th August 2026 allowing for a 12 week rehearsal period.
Monday and Wednesday rehearsals will be held at the ARTS Theatre in the Thomas Nave room.
Sunday rehearsals will focus on choreography and will be held at Kerry’s dance studio.
A rehearsal schedule will be provided.
Contact: Misch O’Keeffe
Misch1754@bigpond.com
