Log In

Reset Password
Welcome, User
LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER
Bethlehem Catasauqua East Penn Northampton Northwestern Parkland Salisbury Whitehall-Coplay

Saucon Valley wakes up with ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’

Published April 16. 2026 01:50PM
by ED COURRIER Special to The Bethlehem Press

A Broadway musical swirls around a theater fan as he sits in his apartment in “The Drowsy Chaperone,” 6:30 p.m. April 16, 17, 18; 2 p.m. April 19, Saucon Valley High School, 2100 Polk Valley Road, Hellertown.

The show-within-a-show is a parody of Broadway musical comedies of the 1920s and 1930s. The “Man in Chair” brings his favorite musical to life as he plays a recording of it. His apartment is filled with characters performing the fictional vintage musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” where an oil tycoon and Broadway star are to be married to the chagrin of her Broadway producer and the gangsters financing his show.

Music and lyrics are by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, with the book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” opened on Broadway in 2006 and was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, receiving five Tonys.

“Fancy Dress,” “Show Off,” “As We Stumble Along,” “Toledo Surprise” “I Do, I Do in the Sky.” “Accident Waiting To Happen” and “Message from a Nightingale” are among the featured songs.

The cast of the Saucon Valley production includes Jaxon Beke as Man In Chair, Gabrielle Silva as Janet Van De Graaff, Jemma Brown as The Drowsy Chaperone, Agostino Randazzo as Robert Martin, Jackson Mascio as George, Ryan Pakzad as Aldolpho, Sarah Beers as Kitty, Stefan Wolf as Mr. Feldzieg, Chloe Luckenbach as Mrs. Tottendale, John “Max” Brasko as Underling, Salem Morales as Gangster #1,Benjamin Fitz as Gangster #2, Anderson “Andie” Kiefer as Trix The Aviatrix and Trent Mellinger as Superintendent.

Dance Captain Kristen Lussier is among the additional cast members which include Emmett Cook, Sophia Crawford, Evelyn “Evie” Duddy, Dalia Dworakowski, Emily FaRannte, Julia Gomes, Alaina Jacavage, Emilie Kaniper, Ilsa Kasper, Madelyn “Jada” Mertus, Gavin Rosado, Naievely Rodriguez, Kainalu “Kai” Sanesi, Megan Scherer, Tallis Todd, Farrah Thompson, Owen Thompson and Myles Weber.

Director Lex Donatelli is aided by Assistant Director Calista Unger, Vocal Director Rebecca Pieper, Set Designer Koray Girton and Choreographers Liz Kerlin and Victoria Scovens, with Lighting Design by Center Stage and Helena Dougherty.

For tickets, visit cur8.com/14931/project/135938

PRESS PHOTOS BY ED COURRIERJaxon Beke as Man In Chair, about to play a recording of “The Drowsy Chaperone,” speaks about why it’s his favorite musical at the April 8 Saucon Valley dress rehearsal.
At center, Gabrielle Silva as Janet Van De Graaff confirms that she is leaving showbiz at a pool-side press conference as she and the company sing “Show Off.”
“Love Is Always Lovely In The End,” sings wedding hostess Chloe Luckenbach as Mrs. Tottendale to John “Max” Brasko as Underling.
“I Am Aldolpho” sings self-proclaimed Latin lover, Ryan Pakzad as Aldolpho, as he gets seduced by Jemma Brown as The Drowsy Chaperone.
At left, nervous groom Agostino Randazzo as Robert Martin and his best man, Jackson Mascio as George dance to “Cold Feets.”