Wake up, people! ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ comes to SM East starting Thursday

Lily Kaufmann plays Janet Van de Graaff in SM East’s production of “The Drowsy Chaperone.”

You crazy web kids out there probably think you invented the concept of self-referencial “meta-ness,” don’t you? Don’t you!

Wellsirs, I invite you to visit SM East starting this Thursday to take a virtual trip back in time — all the way back to the ancient year 1998 — when “The Drowsy Chaperone,” this year’s SM East musical, first debuted.

The musical tells the story of a musical theatre fan who plays a recording of his favorite musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Dig?

Anydoodle, theatre department chair Brian Cappello says there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

“It’s lots of fun, fast-paced, and full of catchy songs and lots of dancing,” Cappello said. “Fun for the whole family!”

Showings are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee performance at 2 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $10 and all seats are reserved. The box office opens an hour before show time. SM East students can purchase tickets during lunch period on the north ramp.

The primary cast is as follows:

• Main in the Chair: AJ Orth
• Mrs. Tottendale: Bridgette Beasley
• Underling: Rob Simpson
• Robert Martin: Chase Ainsworth
• George: Drew Broeckelman
• Kitty: Maddy Roberts
• Gangster #1: Justin Armer
• Gangster #2: Alec Armer
• Aldolpho: Max Duncan
• Janet Van de Graaff: Lily Kaufmann
• The Drowsy Chaperone: Abby Cramer
• Trix the Aviatrix: Madeleine Heigele
• Superintendent #1: Maxwell Braasch
• Superintendent #2: Thomas Petrie