By Chris Steele
I love going to the theater, but I don’t get too as much as I would like; it just simply costs too much money.
I am, however, able to find productions that are just as good and do not costs nearly as much. In February, for example.
I attended a performance of the Tony award winning musical The Drowsy Chaperone. It was a wonderful performance
that rivaled any I might have seen at a professional theater. This show, however, was done by high school students
performing at Arlington High School by its wonderful cast of Thespians. It was outstanding, from start to finish. As we waited
in the lobby, “cigarette girls” prepared us for the 1920’s feel of the show, and then the reporters calling out the
announcement that the “follies” had lost their leading lady, continued to set the stage. The energy was infectious
as Austin Conlee (Man in Chair) invited us to “listen” to the Drowsy Chaperone”. Logan Bernard and Emily Collins were
delightful in the leading rolls. Mrs. Tottendale and Underling (Sara Whittington and Reginald Wimbley) were charming and
entertaining. George (Ryan Wilson) was well played, as well as the “Pastry Gangsters” (Chandler White and Connor Ginn).
These two young men were hilarious. Jessie Steele’s musical ability was amazing and her funny quips and stage presence
was perfectly complimented by Aldolpho (Matt Nelson). Matt’s character was funny and his timing was nothing short of
professional. At the end we got to hear from Trix the Aviatrix (Shelby Batts) who gets the honor of performing the marriages in beautiful song.
From start to finish, these young thespians put on a show that could easily have been seen on any major
professional theater. If you missed it, I am so sorry. Keep your eye out though, because these young people
routinely perform shows like this.
