Gouverneur High School entertains with The Drowsy Chaperone

Katelyn Hughes portraying the Drowsy Chaperone astounds the audience with her powerful vocals during the song “As We Stumble Along.” (photo by Jessyca Cardinell)

Alexis Simmons and Jaelyn Stevens as the gangsters keep the crowd in stitches with their hilarious comedy during the Drowsy Chaperone production. (photo by Jessyca Cardinell)

by Jessyca Cardinell
Gouverneur Central School drama students have been working hard under the direction of Mr. Alan Betrus in preparation for this year's Spring Musical.
This year's production was The Drowsy Chaperone: A Musical Within A Comedy, offering the audience attending lots of tremendous laughs.
The auditorium was filled with family, friends, community members and faculty members in anticipation for this year's musical and all the entertainment the students bring.
The Drowsy Chaperone begins as a Man In The Chair played by the talented Ben Foster opens up to those attending about the many experiences which can happen while watching a movie or performance. He puts on The Drowsy Chaperone, as it begins to come to life and unfold for all those watching.
Taylor Ormasen portrayed Janet Van De Graaff a talented starlet who decides to leave show business and fame behind to marry a man she barely knows Robert Martin played by Cole Siebels.
Katelyn Hughes played The Drowsy Chaperone who is put in charge of making sure that Janet has no contact with Robert, as those in the business want to keep her there. She proves she can only do so much under the influence, causing a ruckus and many tribulations.
The show provided great hilarity through all the twists and turns. It truly showcased all the students talents as they masterfully executed their performances and songs. The audience was left in stitches and completely captivated by everyone's fantastic acting.
The Orchestra played Overture to get the production going, which was followed by Fancy Dress, full of dancing and action from the whole cast. Cole Siebels (Robert) and Ebin Salsman (George) sang the number Cold Feets, offering a great beat and powerful voices. Taylor Ormasen (Janet) masterfully sang Show Off with the help from the other cast members, a performance letting everyone know that she was done with show business and fame...well maybe.
Katelyn Hughes (Drowsy Chaperone) proved to be a powerhouse as she sang As We Stumbled Along. The song I Am Aldolpho was a risque duet sang by Javien Spence (Aldolpho) and Katelyn Hughes (Drowsy Chaperone) as he tries to win over who he believes to be the bride. Cole Siebels (Robert) and Taylor Ormasen (Janet) sang the duet Accident Waiting To Happen, showcasing their talent together. Toledo Surprise was performed by the whole cast with the gangsters Feldzieg, Kitty, Mrs. Tottendale. After a small intermission Act II offered Message From A Nightengale sang by KittyUnique Johnson (Kitty), Jaelyn Stevens & Alexis Simmons (Gangsters), Javien Spence (Aldolpho) and Katelyn Hughes (Chaperone). Bride's Lament was sang by Taylor Ormasen (Janet) and the rest of the cast. Love Is Always Lovely In The End was sang by Mrs. Tottendale (Corryn Canell) and Hazen Given (Underling) which offered great vocals. I Do, I Do In The Sky performed by Lailani Hicks (Trix) showcasing her great talent with help from the rest of the cast and finishing the musical was As We Stumble Along (Reprise) sang by the entire cast.
Wonderful job to each and every cast member in this musical who put forth their very best performance capability. The stage crew and everyone in the background making sure the production ran as smoothly as possible.
The Cast included the following: Man In The Chair- Ben Foster, The Drowsy Chaperone-Katelyn Hughes, Janet Van De Graaff- Taylor Ormasen, Robert Martin- Cole Siebels, George- Ebin Salsman, Aldolpho- Javien Spence, Mrs. Tottendale- Corryn Canell, Underling- Hazen Given, Feldzieg- Noble Baker, Kitty- Unique Johnson, Trix- Lailani Hicks, Gangster 1- Jaelyn Stevens, Gangster 2- Alexis Simmons, Superintendent- Mady Bloxham, Staff, Reporters, Monkeys and Clouds – Maxy Bloxham, Connor Canell, Jenneca Cook, Corinne LaPierre, Hope Leader, and Madison McIntosh.
Stage Crew included: Stage Manager- Catie Yablonski, Assistant Stage Managers- Katrina Wells, Ann Zhou, Amelia Beaver, Lights Design and Technical Manager- Kolby Wells, Alex Clancy, Emma McDougall. Sound Technician- Connor Reed, Costumer- Emily Bason, Student Costumers- Ashley Toppin, Emily McGregor.
Orchestra, conducted by Kathleen Buell and Assistant Music Director Paul Buell, included the following: Reed 1- Jane Subramanian, Reed 2- Scott Fulton, Reed 3- Anne Csete, Reed 4- Jennell Yeoman, Trumpet 1- James Madeja, Trumpet 2- Paul Buell, Trumpet 3- Sabrina Johnson, Trombone- Jim Forney, Keyboard- Debbie Nikkari, Instrument- Beth Johnson, Bass- Victor Correa, Drums- John Dixon, and Percussion- Donna Peck.
Hairdressers included: Nicki- Jo Colburn, Betsey Cummings, Tiffany Tuttle, Emile Jesmer, Gloria Brow, Michella Rickett. Make Up- Bridgette LaPierre.
Cast Party: Pamelia Stevens, Gladys Johnston, Lynn Kurdziel, Maddie Kurdziel, Katrina Cook, Matt Foster, Lisa Foster. Box Office: Stacy Canell, Norma Clancy, Katrina Cook, Casey Canell. Publicity: Program- Emily McGregor and Alan Betrus.