Peninsula Players Theatre Presents THE DROWSY CHAPERONE

Peninsula Players Theatre, in conjunction with its production of the musical comedy "The Drowsy Chaperone," will host artist Matt Crowle on Friday, August 3 at 6:30 p.m. Crowle will speak about his process as director and choreographer. Tickets to performances are available; admission to the pre-show seminar is free.

Crowle is a seasoned singer, dancer, actor, director and choreographer. He has been awarded Chicago's Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Choreography for "Crazy for You" and Best Actor in a Supporting Role as Hysterium in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."

"I typically spend about three months mapping out a show before I start rehearsals with a cast," Crowle said. "I like to know that every dance step is planned and every moment is thought through. I also exchange countless phone calls and emails with my designers so we all know exactly what we can expect from each other. It's hard work, but the most successful shows require superior preparation, and I accept nothing less than that from myself."

Crowle and the 15-member cast of "The Drowsy Chaperone" had a limited number of days to work with the actors and Music Director Valerie Maze before it opened July 25. Maze accompanied the cast on keyboards through the 17-day process and rehearsed with other members of the orchestra several times before opening night. As a director and choreographer, Crowle needs to come prepared to work, including mentally noting not only the actors' movements and dance steps, but the comedic action as well.

Crowle will make his Peninsula Players stage debut in "Living on Love," a fresh from Broadway comedy by Joe DiPietro, based on the play "Peccadillo" by Garson Kanin. Crowle was a cast member of the National Tour of "Doctor Dolittle," directed by Tommy Tune as well as "Monty Python's Spamalot." His regional theatre credits include portraying Cosmo Brown in "Singin' in the Rain" at Drury Lane Oakbrook, Leo Bloom in "The Producers" at Mercury Theater in Chicago and Bert in "Mary Poppins" at Paramount Theatre.

Peninsula Players Theatre is committed to providing educational programming for the community. The Players has a long history of educational initiatives including an intern program that dates back to the founding days of the theater in the 1930s. The theater continues to offer backstage tours and post-show discussions as listed in the program and website. Contact the Box Office at 920-868-3287 for more information on free seminars, tours or to purchase tickets.