Pam Turlow of Elmhurst is preparing for her role in Wheaton Drama’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone. 

The show, which is a wildly entertaining and spectacularly funny homage to Jazz Age musicals, has lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison and book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar. The Drowsy Chaperone’s numerous Tony Awards include Best Book and Score.

When show narrator Man in Chair plays for the audience a record of his favorite 1920s musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, the show bursts to life in his living room.

Lovingly spoofing old musicals, The Drowsy Chaperone features a cast of comic characters, including a chaperone who likes to tipple. Ms. Turlow plays the chaperone. 

Ms. Turlow recently spoke with Wheaton Drama, Inc. (WDI) publicity regarding her involvement in the show.  

WDI: Please tell us a little about the character you play in The Drowsy Chaperone. 

PT: The Chaperone is a diva’s diva, one of those bigger than life characters who is an actor’s dream. The play’s Man in Chair describes her as someone who speaks and acts spontaneously, freely.  

WDI: How do you feel about your character? 

PT: Ever since I saw a scene from The Drowsy Chaperone on the Tony Awards, I set my sights on portraying this character at some point in my life. I’m so very grateful I’ve been given the chance to realize that dream! There aren’t many roles for women in their 40s in musical theatre, so I’m really glad I’ve been given this opportunity by Mr. Gustafson (Craig, director). Also, and very importantly, she’s an inspirational character in a way, especially to the Man in Chair. One doesn’t get a chance to portray someone like her very often.

WDI: Why were you drawn to this show? 

PT: The role, first and foremost. I’m also excited by the play’s unique storytelling structure. It’s fresh and inventive.

WDI: How has the rehearsal process been for you thus far?  

PT:  It’s been pure joy. I know that by the end of each night’s rehearsal, I’ll have had at least one strong giggle fit. And our fearless leader, Craig, has such a great eye and ear for funny, such a keen comedic sense, so I know he’ll continue shaping a truly hilarious piece of theatre. Working with him is like working with a great old-time vaudevillian. 

WDI: Can you tell us a little about your theatrical experience? You’ve worked with Wheaton Drama before, haven’t you? 

PT: I was last seen at Wheaton as Sally Bowles in Cabaret in 1988. Since then, I’ve had the good fortune to portray some of Sondheim’s niftiest ladies, including the Baker’s Wife (three separate times!) and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, for which I garnered an After Dark Award.

WDI: Any fun facts about yourself that you would like to share?

PT: I’m a voice-over artist by trade for over twenty years.  I’m the recent recipient of two Audie Nominations for audio books I narrated at nearby Oasis Audio.  Oh — and the next project there is a novel whose theme is vampires.  Vampires!  How cool is that?

WDI: Why do you think audiences should see The Drowsy Chaperone?

PT: It’s truly one of the funniest pieces I’ve ever read or heard. The musical’s structure is innovative and surprising, the music is truly engaging, the characters are hilariously heightened and likable. Oh — and I’d be remiss if I didn’t add that I may be working with one of the strongest casts I’ve ever been blessed to be a part of!

Audiences can see Pam in The Drowsy Chaperone from September 17 to October 10 at Playhouse 111. Shows are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets for Thursday shows are $18. Fridays-Sundays are $21 each. ?? ?

The Drowsy Chaperone is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

For tickets and information, please visit www.wheatondrama.org or call 630-260-1820.

Other shows in Wheaton Drama’s 2010-2011 season are Little Women, Twentieth Century, All My Sons, and 1776.

At play since 1931, Wheaton Drama’s quality productions are staged at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale Street in downtown Wheaton. Excellent restaurants and free parking are within walking distance of the Playhouse.     

Article by Jo-Ann Ledger for Wheaton Drama. Contact: publicity@wheatondrama.org.