Schools

Kennedy drama club stages 'The Drowsy Chaperone'

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Kennedy High School students paid homage to the Jazz Age when they recently staged their spring musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” which parodies the humor of the 1920s, complete with gags and gimmicks.

The show ran at the school, which serves Bellmore and Merrick, from March 21 to 22. “The Drowsy Chaperone,” which has won multiple Tony Awards on Broadway, focuses on a character known as Man-in-Chair, played by Evan Gordon in Kennedy’s production. The man, who is a fan of Broadway productions, listens to a recording of the fictional 1928 musical comedy, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” As he hears the music, the characters appear in his apartment, and the show comes to life.

Kennedy’s production featured standout performances by Steven Alexander, Emily Alstadter, Mara Friedman, Rebecca Jellinek, Jake Sachs, Teri Vieira, Matt Zeltmann and the rest of the cast.

Daniel Sheffield, a Kennedy English teacher, directed the production. Christopher Rosselli handled the musical direction and Lois Schiavetta, the choreography. Wally Avellaneda directed the pit band. The student crew was led by seniors Liana Kramer and Sean O’Donnell, with Jeremy Blitzer acting as stage manager and Jesse Cardone as the student head of lights and sound.