Squabbalogic to kick off 2014 with The Drowsy Chaperone

Squabbalogic are oft-called ‘musical theatre darlings’ of the Sydney scenes, which is accurate, but after their smashing 2013 season and now, coming into 2014, we might need to start calling them ‘game-changers’.

Last year, Squabbalogic defied even the highest expectations with two Australian premieres: the form-defying irony-rock show Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, and the redeemed, tragic, bloody Carrie: the Musical, to widespread critical acclaim.

Now in 2014, it looks like they are going to continue pushing the envelope. In association with Hayes Theatre Co, Squabbalogic’s first show of the year will be the Tony-award winning The Drowsy Chaperone.

Here’s the premise: in a shabby New York apartment, a die-hard musical theatre fan plays his favourite Broadway cast album on his turntable. The musical literally bursts to life in his living room, telling the tale of a brazen holiday starlet trying to find, and keep, her true love.

It’s a perfect fit for the boutique company, who excel with structure-challenging, innovative works, and present them with a rare kind of genuine gusto and authenticity.

Jay James-Moody assures us that it’s perfect for Squab fans who enjoyed their previous outings [title of show] and A New Brain – “A great show for musical traditionalists but is also hilariously meta and contemporary.”

“The Drowsy Chaperone has been on our wish-list for many years,” said producer Jessica James-Moody.

“To be presenting a show that is essentially a love letter to musical theatre as our first production at Hayes Theatre Co is very fitting and exciting.”

The Drowsy Chaperone opened on Broadway in 2006, winning the Tony for Best Book and Best Score. In 2010, Melbourne Theatre Company staged a sell-out season starring Geoffrey Rush, who will also star in an upcoming film adaptation of the show.

Directed by Jay James-Moody (Carrie), and promising to boast a cast of Sydney’s fines musical theatre talent, the show will play at the new Hayes Theatre (formerly the home of Darlinghurst Theatre Co) from March 14 – April 6. Tickets will be on sale from Friday January 17 and can be booked at www.hayestheatre.com.au or by phoning 0498 960 586.