Laughter, Tap Dancing, and Heart: BASH Presents The Drowsy Chaperone

by Lesley Misko

The stage at Boyertown Area Senior High (BASH) will soon transform into a whirlwind of jazz-age romance, physical comedy, and heartfelt humor as the BASH music department presents this year’s spring musical, The Drowsy Chaperone.

Performances will take place in the BASH auditorium Thursday, Feb. 12; Friday, Feb. 13; and Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online through the official production page at https://www.boyertownmusic.com/bash-musical/.

A Musical Within a Musical

Co-directed by BASH vocal music teacher Mr. Jeffrey K. Brunner and BASH alum Ms. Julia Kershetsky, The Drowsy Chaperone is a Tony Award–winning musical comedy that affectionately pokes fun at the conventions of 1920s Broadway.

The story centers on a devoted musical theatre fan — known in this production as the Woman in Chair — who escapes the pressures of modern life by playing her favorite cast recording. As the record spins, the musical comes to life in her apartment, complete with a starry-eyed bride, a nervous groom, tap-dancing gangsters, and the delightfully tipsy chaperone of the title.

Brunner notes that the decision to select The Drowsy Chaperone was influenced by both its structure and its musical style.

“We needed something that fit our rehearsal schedule but was still meaningful for the students,” Brunner said. With a runtime of about two hours, the show worked well within the program’s rehearsal window while still offering rich material.

The music, styled after 1920s Broadway, also played a role in the selection. “That style lends itself to a more classical approach to singing,” Brunner explains, noting that it can be healthier for young voices than some contemporary Broadway scores.

Comedy and Choreography

Comedy plays a central role in this year’s production, and Brunner said developing students’ comedic timing has been a continuing focus of the program.

Songs such as the high-energy “Toledo Surprise,” which features gangsters unexpectedly bursting into song, highlight the show’s fast-paced humor and large ensemble choreography. Brunner reveals that students particularly have enjoyed rehearsals once dancing began, embracing the show’s intentionally over-the-top tone and physical comedy.

While The Drowsy Chaperone is filled with satire and slapstick humor, Brunner emphasizes that it also carries a meaningful message. “While the show is wildly funny, it is also deeply human. It reminds us why art matters, why music matters, and why storytelling has the power to connect us when the world feels overwhelming," he summarizes.

That theme is echoed in the recurring song “As We Stumble Along,” which Brunner describes as a reminder that no one has life perfectly figured out — and that finding joy through shared experiences and the arts is part of being human.

The Cast

This year’s production features a mix of returning performers and new faces. Keira Comfort stars as the Woman in Chair, anchoring the show as both narrator and audience guide.

Other principal roles include Kailey Reinboth as the Drowsy Chaperone, Maya Lopez as Janet Van De Graaff, Cole Major as Robert Martin, Kolby Grim as Aldolpho, Dan Villette as Underling, Sadie Hanish as Mrs. Tottendale, Ashtyn Ehst as Kitty, and Noah Davenport as Victor Feldzieg. Additional cast members include Charlotte Burrell and Kacie Dieser as the two gangsters, Lily Pulcher as Trix, Matthew Kemmerer as George, and Shane Speaker as the Superintendent.

The ensemble -- students portraying wedding guests, servants, and reporters - includes: Regan Kretovich, Elayna Ebling, Reagan Vining, Lyndsey Peterman, Sophie Lavanga, Abby Sauers, Riley Rogers, Jayden Bevan, Conor Ferster, Landon Woods, Jaden Ehst, Stephen Kelly, and Isla Eggren. Val Piccione is featured as a dancer. 

Student directors for the production are Shawn Marie Moser, Etta Fetterman, and Lydia Brown.

A Collaborative Effort

Brunner credits the success of the production to the collective effort behind the scenes, offering special praise to co-director Julia Kershetsky, the pit musicians, crew members, and staff who support every rehearsal.

Brunner shares, “My students continue to inspire me. By coming together, we become a stronger and more compassionate community.”

Tickets and Performance Information

Tickets are $15 and available online at www.boyertownmusic.com/bash-musical/. With four performances scheduled over Presidents’ Day weekend, early ticket purchases are encouraged.

With its blend of nostalgia, comedy, and sincerity, The Drowsy Chaperone promises an entertaining and uplifting night at the theatre — and a celebration of student talent at Boyertown Area Senior High School.

More News from Boyertown

• Craig Bennett Suggests: "Men, Read More Fiction" Craig Bennett has a suggestion for men today: read more fiction;
• Boyertown Readers Still Turning Pages: Local Library's Most Popular Books of 2025 Boyertown's Community Library most-checked-out books of '25 reflect a community engaged with reading.