The Lonesome Road

One of the things that I wanted to do after I came to the US was to see a Broadway play. Due to a very fortunate series of circumstances, that wish was granted today - I managed to get tickets to see “The Drowsy Chaperone” on Broadway today (in fact, I just got back home). I wish this could have been done earlier, but at a $100, tickets are not exactly cheap.
Now, do understand that I have never really seen a musical performed at this level before. The only plays that I have seen before this one have been ones put up by my fellow students in school. So I hope you forgive me if I go a little ga-ga.

I went in to see the musical with no preconceived notions. Even so, the opening surprised me. Just before the play starts, all the lights go off and from the darkness comes the opening line - “I hate theater…”. A small monologue (no, I will not start spouting dialogs here - go see the play!) later, the light comes on and we see the narrator play the record (yes, the LP) of the smash 1928 hit musical “The Drowsy Chaperone”.

The play unfolds with beautiful musical numbers, great dance sequences (I loved the tap dancing sequence with the dancing duo of George and Robert), and some amazingly funny scenes. Well, I promised not to spout dialog, but I shall do so just this once - indulge me.

Mrs. Tottendale: When someone asks for ice water, give them vodka.
Underling: Yes ma’am
Mrs. Tottendale: Remember ice water means vodka.
Underling: Yes ma’am. Ice water means vodka

It goes on in this vein for a while. Then Mrs. Tottenham’s throat feels dry from all the talking and she asks for a glass of ice water.

Underling: Your ice water ma’am
Mrs. Tottenham (spraying the contents of the glass all over the Underling): This is pure vodka!

Well, this scene also repeats a few times.

At this stage the narrator comes in and explains that this sort of device was employed so that the stage could be set for the next scene. The narrator (Bob Martin) for me was the star of the show. Effortlessly weaving introductions, trivia about the cast and information about the actors with witty insights on life in general, he was the thread that held the play together. What was even more enchanting was his childlike glee when talking about the play. His love for this 1928 screwball comedy soon becomes a shared one as the audience is drawn into his little world. It was fun to see him walk into scenes and even join in with the actors (who ignored him because, technically, he wasn’t there!). One of the best monologues is one in which he compares the a musical production and the pornographic industry

In technical terms, the play was flawless (at least to my untrained eyes). Set changes, scene changes, the lighting and music were flawless. It was great to see the narrator walk onto the set during dance numbers and scenes and having the actors adroitly avoiding him while going about the scene.

No, I am not going to talk too much about the “plot” or the characters. This is something that has to be seen - no, it is something that has to be experienced and I am very, very glad that I had a chance to do so. I guess one more expensive hobby has been added to the list (which already has golf in it). The next musical I want to see is Mamma-Mia based on ABBA numbers.

Well, this isn’t really a review. It’s just a small post about the fun I had watching my first Broadway musical - wouldn’t even know where to start a review .

Until next time, I leave you with the one word that stays on the mind even after the play ends - Aldolpho!