Cast in the production number "Toledo Surprise" 

The Tyler Civic Theatre Center (TCTC) will open its 2024 season with “The Drowsy Chaperone,” a hilarious Tony-winning musical in a comedy that is set in the Golden Age of musicals.

“The story concerns a middle-aged, asocial musical theater fan who, feeling ‘blue,’ decides to play for the audience an LP of his favorite musical, the fictional 1928 show ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,'” according to the TCTC. “As the record plays, the show — a parody of 1920s American musical comedy — comes to life onstage, as the man wryly comments on the music, story and actors.”

The show opens Friday and will continue through the weekend. Performances will pick back up Feb. 15-18, and Feb. 22-25.

The 2006 Broadway and Tony winning show has music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, and a book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar.

The Tyler production is directed by Tim Mitchiner. He has directed several productions at TCTC, including the hit show “The Play That Goes Wrong,” “Hands on a Hardbody” and “Proof.” He has directed and acted as production and lighting designer for over 150 shows in the East Texas area.

According to TCTC, Mitchiner has designed a colorful, sprawling proscenium set with prop pieces. This is unique, as it will not be the usual theatre-in-the round production. Scenic artist Luane Chancellor serves as creative assistant.

There are 20 total cast members, including some of TCTC’s well known favorites on the stage, like Kimberlee Martin Ross who will be reprising the role of the leading lady, Janet Van De Graaff, as well as Allison Pharr McGee and Walker Delk will play Drowsy Chaperone and Adolpho, respectively. Both actors are co-directors for Cumberland Academy’s drama department.

TCTC’s board of directors member and former Broadway actor Steven Jones is doing double duty on and off the stage.

“When there was no one that showed up to audition for the role of the producer, I was asked to play the part,” he said. “(But) what is so fun about doing this play is performing with this outrageously talented cast and doing a musical number that I get showcased in.”

Jones has directed TCTC’s “West Side Story.”

“I hope audiences take away what a huge talent pool we have in East Texas,” Jones said. “Also I hope they see how much in sync we are with the downtown restoration movement and building toward the future.”

The show runs Feb. 9-11, 15-18 and 22-25. The theatre is located at 400 Rose Park Dr. in Tyler.

“(Tyler Civic Theatre Center) saw 13,000 people pass through its doors last year to see our productions,” Jones said. “As Tyler grows so does our theatre showcasing quality ‘live theatre’ performances.”

Patrons interested in seeing the show may purchase tickets online at tylercivictheatre.com or call the box office at 903-592-0561. Tickets are on sale now for this show and all future shows for the 76th season. 

Friday and Saturday’s shows start at 7:30 p.m. while there is a 2:30 p.m. showing Sunday. For the full schedule, visit tylercivictheatre.com.