Reviews are in; STHS's "The Drowsy Chaperone" is over-the-top FANTASTIC

Well, what can I say…yet another spectacular production by the talented folks at South Tahoe High! I attended last night’s performance with eight friends, and I always appreciate their feedback. This morning, the texts started rolling in; we all agreed with this statement from Connie Alcamo: “The Nanette Niven/Ethan Niven collaboration is a beautiful evolution of the Niven family contribution to the arts in SLT.” More important words from Connie and Niv in a bit.

The stage starts dark, with the narrator speaking to us from a couch. Lights come on, and once again, the stage itself becomes one of the main characters that tells the story. The construction that goes into these elevated sets is just remarkable. Within minutes, the entire cast is on stage dancing. Talk about a way to start a show…I will tell you, I did not stop smiling and laughing the entire two hours! My seatmate Joanne was grabbing my arm all night, what with so many funny, gimmicky gags; and I was slapping my friend Bridgette’s thigh as tears ran down our cheeks. The energy coming from these kids was totally infectious. Boisterous and risqué humor, schtick and schlock, hijinks galore– cliché words that really do explain the style of this musical farce set in the 1920s. The Nivens have often chosen vintage works to reboot, and we, the audience, are always blown away by the fast-paced dialog or lyrics, often with accents, that the kids pull off so professionally.

Special kudos to the choreography team of Rhonda, Alyssa, and of course Niv. The stage was on fire with waltzes, tap dancing, and gymnastics. I did not see one misstep. Absolutely flawless and just awesome!! The costumes are top-notch; hair and makeup divine.

The cast is so good. Can I just sing, G-L-O-R-I-A, GLORIA! She just may have topped her spectacular performance in Chicago last year at this time. And Zack as Aldolpho! Talk about a hilarious and campy performance, Bravo! But you want to know who we were talking about as we walked to our cars? Ethan “Swiss” Anderson as The Man in the Chair. WOW. He killed it.

The entire cast and crew deserve accolades. I want to applaud them on their commitment to such an undertaking, while also having to keep up with studies, sports, and jobs.

Now back to some timely and significant information that Niv and Connie would like to share. Performing Arts Booster Association (PABA) is what keeps the Theatre Department alive and producing these very special shows. Parent volunteers are crucial to the success of the organization, in addition to generous donations by patrons and advertisers. PABA gives out scholarships to students chosen by the teachers in the Performing (theatre and music) and Arts (digital and fine arts) programs. PABA funds teachers’ projects like the Ashland trips, as well as paying stipends for the plays that STHS doesn’t cover. There is a great group of newcomers (parents) in PABA; they are a small group but very active. The challenging part is that as students graduate, they lose the experience and expertise of the old guard. Consider joining PABA! It’s super fun, and an opportunity to be involved in a behind the scenes way to support the Arts at STHS.

There are three performances next weekend: November 13 & 14 at 7 p.m. and November 15 at 2 p.m.

Tickets at STHS.myschoolcentral.com

Adults $15/ Students $10

Cabaret tables for two are available with a minimum membership donation of $100

12 tables available per show. Call (530)541-4111 ext 1984