Storyline
A loving tribute to the Golden Age of Broadway, The Drowsy Chaperone is a hilarious musical within a musical that celebrates the joy, glamour, and delightful silliness of classic theatre. As an avid musical theatre fan plays his favorite cast recording, the show magically comes to life in his living room, transporting audiences to a dazzling 1920s wedding filled with mistaken identities, larger-than-life characters, and nonstop laughs.
Packed with show-stopping musical numbers, tap dancing, romance, and clever comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone is a heartfelt celebration of the magic of live theatre and the timeless power of storytelling. It's an unforgettable experience for performers and audiences alike.
Auditions
Auditions will be held on Monday, August 17th, 2026 at Auburn Odd Fellows (1226 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603). Checkin will begin at 5:00pm and auditions will start promptly at 5:30pm. Auditioners should prepare a 1 minute audition song, pop songs are welcome.
Video auditions are more than welcome if there is a conflict with the audition date. Please know all videos must be received by Wednesday, August 12th, 2026 and should be no longer than 1 minute in length. For video auditioners, audition deposits must be paid by July 21st, in order for your video submission to be considered by the artistic team. Please submit your video auditions by email to austin@astonishingtheatre.org
All auditioners will come on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026 to Auburn Odd Fellows at 5pm for a dance call (please come in movable clothes/shoes and bring a water bottle). Auditions and dance call are open, meaning anyone who would like to support the auditioners are welcome.
Callbacks
Invited callbacks will be at Auburn Odd Fellows on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026 following the dance call. Invited callbacks are closed, meaning only the artistic team and auditioners will be allowed into callback spaces.
Shows
Dates:
OCTOBER 16th 7:00pm (Call at 5:30pm)
OCTOBER 17th 2:00pm (Call at 12:30pm) and 7:00pm (Call at 6:00pm)
OCTOBER 22nd 7:00pm (Call at 5:30pm)
OCTOBER 23rd 7:00pm (Call at 5:30pm)
OCTOBER 24th 2:00pm (Call at 12:30pm) and 7:00pm (Call at 6:00pm)
OCTOBER 25th 4:00pm (Call at 2:30pm)
Location:
THE COLFAX THEATRE (49 S Main St, Colfax, CA 95713)
Artistic Team
Director/Choreographer: Austin Nunn
Guest Choreographer: Amber Nunn
Music Director: Katie Toussaint
Assistant Director: John Wippermann
Production Manager/Stage Manager: Kayltin McIntosh
The Drowsy Chaperone
Character Breakdown
Vocal ranges are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the production.
Man in Chair
Baritone • C3–F4
The show's narrator and guide, Man in Chair is a passionate musical theatre fan who escapes into the world of his favorite cast recording. He speaks directly to the audience, providing witty commentary while revealing his own loneliness and love of theatre. Requires exceptional comedic timing, storytelling ability, and strong acting more than vocal power.
Mrs. Tottendale
Mezzo-Soprano • G3–D5
A wealthy, eccentric hostess who owns the mansion where the wedding takes place. She is delightfully absent-minded, charming, and provides many comic moments. A fun character role with personality and comedic flair.
Underling
Baritone • A2–E4
Mrs. Tottendale's loyal but often exasperated servant. Dry, deadpan, and endlessly patient, he balances his employer's eccentricities with understated humor. A strong comedic actor with a pleasant singing voice.
Robert Martin
Tenor • C3–A4
A handsome Broadway star determined to give up the stage to marry Janet. Sincere, romantic, and slightly naïve, he is the show's classic leading man. Requires a confident tenor voice and strong dance ability.
Janet Van De Graaff
Soprano • G3–E♭5
A glamorous Broadway star and bride-to-be who dreams of a happy married life. She is poised, elegant, and genuinely in love with Robert. Requires a strong legit/musical theatre soprano with grace and comedic charm.
The Drowsy Chaperone
Alto/Mezzo • F3–D5
Janet's delightfully tipsy chaperone who steals every scene with dry wit and comic timing. Though frequently under the influence, she offers surprisingly heartfelt advice. One of the show's biggest comedic roles with memorable musical numbers.
Aldolpho
Tenor • C3–B♭4
A flamboyant self-proclaimed Latin lover hired to sabotage the wedding. Over-the-top, confident, and irresistibly ridiculous, he is a scene-stealing comic character. Requires excellent comic instincts and fearless physicality.
George
Baritone • A2–F4
Robert's earnest best man who constantly worries about keeping the wedding on schedule. Though easily flustered, he is dependable and well-meaning. A strong supporting comedic role.
Kitty
Mezzo-Soprano • B3–D5
A sweet, ambitious chorus girl who dreams of becoming a Broadway star. Cheerful and optimistic, she eventually gets her chance to shine. Requires a bright personality and strong dance skills.
Gangsters (2)
Baritone/Tenor • B2–F4
Two pastry chefs posing as gangsters sent to stop the wedding. Their dry humor, synchronized comedy, and musical moments make them audience favorites. Great roles for performers with comic chemistry.
Trix the Aviatrix
Mezzo-Soprano • C4–D5
A daring female pilot who arrives at just the right moment. Though her appearance is brief, she makes a memorable impression with confidence and flair. A fun featured cameo role.
Feldzieg
Baritone • B2–E4
A theatrical producer desperate to keep Janet from leaving Broadway. Fast-talking and energetic, he will stop at nothing to save his investment. Strong comedic acting required.
Featured Ensemble
The ensemble plays an important role in bringing the glamorous world of the 1920s musical to life. Ensemble members portray wedding guests, servants, reporters, musicians, dancers, and various party attendees while creating the lively atmosphere of the show. Strong singers, dancers, and character actors are encouraged, as many ensemble members have featured dance moments, small speaking lines, and opportunities to play multiple memorable characters throughout the production.
Ideal Ensemble Skills
Strong jazz and musical theatre dance ability
Excellent comedic timing and character work
Confident ensemble singing and harmonies
High energy and commitment to the show's playful, over-the-top style