09 Apr 2012 UACCM presents 'The Drowsy Chaperone'

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free to all UACCM faculty, staff and students.

In The Drowsy Chaperone, a modern day musical theatre addict known simply as “Man in Chair,” played by UACCM employee and Conway resident David Plummer, drops the needle on his favorite LP – the 1928 musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone. From the crackle of his hi-fi, he guides you through the uproariously funny musical as it bursts to life in the middle of his New York apartment. This “musical within a comedy” tells the tale of a pampered Broadway starlet who wants to give up her career on the stage to marry her debonair bridegroom, her producer who sets out to sabotage the nuptials, her chaperone, a flakey chorine looking to steal the spotlight, a Latin lover and even a pair of gangsters posing as pastry chefs. The Man in Chair’s infectious love of The Drowsy Chaperone speaks to anyone who has ever been transported by their love of theatre.

“We are all having such a blast working on this hysterical show. The amount of talent UACCM and the surrounding area has is truly astonishing,” said Jim Harris who is not only the director of the show but is also playing the part of the overconfident and self-proclaimed “King of Romance” Adolfo.

This is the first time that the UACCM Theatre and Music departments have worked together to produce a full length musical. “Quite simply, this is the biggest collaborative production the school has ever seen,” said Harris. “A cast of 19 people is made up of faculty, staff, students, and surrounding community members. A full 14-piece orchestra is made up of both professionals and students. Costumes are being made by staff and community members, and some pieces are on loan from UCA Theatre and others. It’s wonderful to see such commitment as more than 40 people strive to bring the community a Broadway caliber production.”

UACCM Music Vocal/Choral Instructor Shannah Cummings said that “It has been a wonderful experience collaborating with Jim Harris and the theater department. It has been an exciting experience and has brought our students, community, and faculty together in a creative setting.” Cummings plays the chaperone to the bride. “Trust me when I tell you that you don’t want to miss this show!"

Johnny Passmore, a sixth grade teacher at Guy-Perkins Elementary School and regular performer at the Conway Dinner Theatre, will be performing the role of the lovestruck groom. “I am very excited about playing the part of Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone. Performing at UACCM is a great experience and it has really broadened my theatrical spectrum,” Passmore said. “This show will be the biggest production I’ve been a part of and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of it.”

The Drowsy Chaperone can best be summed up by a line from the show itself. “It does what a musical is supposed to do: it takes you to another world. And it gives you a little tune to carry with you in your head.”

Tickets will be available at the door. For more information concerning The Drowsy Chaperone, contact Jim Harris at 501.977.2118 or [email protected].