By Abby Whelan ’14, Staff Writer

It was impossible for anyone in the audience to feel drowsy while watching the 2013 Newark Academy school musical: The Drowsy Chaperone. The incredible cast of this show immediately captured the audience’s attention as each character danced, sang, and joked his or her way into the plotline. This year’s musical was quite different from last year’s—The Wizard of Oz—and had many pleasant and unpredictable twists. Each cast member fits in with the group, which quickly becomes filled with personalities too large to forget.

Each actor and actress added new dynamics to the musical, from the stunning songs to the rousing choreography. Every single person, from the protagonists played by Clara Mooney ’13 and Nick Williams

‘13, to the Gangsters, played by Zoe Huber-Weiss ‘13, Rebecca Antwi ‘14, and Sydney Mann ‘14, brought life to the plot with their dance numbers and witty humor. The audience was especially impressed with the vocals of many of the main characters, with songs ranging from slow and romantic including “Accident Waiting to Happen”, to fast paced and exciting numbers such as “Toledo Surprise” and “Show Off”. Adolpho, played by Chris Paolini ‘13, was a crowd favorite with his edgy, flirtatious humor, especially in his duet with the chaperone (played by Rachel DeChiara ’13). The cast, in its entirety, consisted of so many students who should be recognized for their impressive talent and vital roles in this superb theatrical performance.

However, one person who has yet to be mentioned is junior Jake Mundo. Jake, as the passionate narrator, expertly guided the action while adding humor and excitement, bringing a different flavor to each new scene. When describing his part, Jake said, “My character is called ‘Man in Chair,’ and the story of the play is that I sit in my apartment listening to a record of one of my favorite musicals: The Drowsy Chaperone. While I’m listening to the record, the musical takes place behind me, and I watch it with the audience, sometimes pausing the record to offer commentary on the characters and my opinions of the play.” It was a role that proved to be truly unique and unlike any character from musicals in the past years.

Jake also commented, “Man in Chair is a fantastic role to play because the character is so enthusiastic about everything going on, so there are a lot of ways to have fun with the part. I end up feeling very comfortable on stage because I let myself relax into the role and let it all come naturally, turning my own enthusiasm into

my character’s. It’s easy for me just to let myself be comfortable and have fun experimenting with the role. Man in Chair also has some quieter, calmer moments, which are just as enjoyable in a different way and add complexity to my character.” Jake’s enthusiasm in real life matches that of his character, and through this similarity, the audience was captivated by his incredible performance.

The Drowsy Chaperone was most definitely an unforgettable performance. Each person in the cast made an indelible mark on the stage as he or she brought the audience back in time and transported us into the crazy, hectic world of the wealthy and the glamorous during the 1920’s. Its true exhibition of talent is something that will be remembered by the Newark Academy community for years to come.