School musicals have been a big hit since they became popular in the late 1960s, and with that come exciting performances done by talented students.

Drowsy Chaperone is about the narrator, or the man in the chair, listening to an original cast recording of one his favorite musicals, Drowsy Chaperone. The musical goes through stages of excitement, sadness, and humor as the audience listens to the recording with the Narrator.

Jalyn Meckley, a performing arts Senior, is a veteran of theater. She has been in shows ever since her middle school years, and has grown quite fond of each show she is in. With every show, Jalyn looks forward to one thing.

“I think I’m most excited about everything coming together and clicking. All of the cast and crew has been working so hard for this show and I’m excited to watch everything come into fruition. I’m also really excited to act alongside one of my best friends, Emily…getting to play her over-the-top chaperone for my last musical is so on brand for us,” Jalyn said.

“[Emily] is doing such a beautiful job with this show and I am beyond proud of her. I’m also really excited to perform. In general this show is absolutely hilarious and I really hope everyone loves it as much as I do.”

One couple within the show is of the title character, the Chaperone, and the European lover, Aldolpho. These roles were played by Jalyn and Sophomore Zachary McCamely respectively.

“[My favorite part] might be my work with my stage partner Zach. Even if we’re having a long rehearsal he knows how to make me laugh, which I appreciate greatly. I also have known him forever so working with him is really fun.”

Another leading role in the show was of the groom, Robert Martin. Robert in this production was portrayed by Senior Bennie Grieb. Bennie had a challenge of learning how to tap dance with his best man, Sophomore Evan Edwards, who played George.

“The show was really fun! I had a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone with both rollerskating (blindfolded) and tap dancing. The cast and crew made it unforgettable, and I loved working with some of my underclassmen friends one last time. Shoutout to my best man, Evan, for putting up with me through thick and thin,” Bennie said.

Another major thing with Bellefonte’s Performing Arts is the Isaac’s Awards. The Isaac’s are an award ceremony comparable to the Tony’s, but instead, it’s for Pennsylvania High Schools. The Drowsy Chaperone received nine total nominations, including Sophomore Emily Schreffler as Best Leading Actress, “Cold Feets” as Best Featured Dancers (Bennie Grieb and Evan Edwards), Jalyn Meckley for her performance as Best Supporting Actress, and Zach McCamely as Best Supporting Actor, Senior Alex Stanton and Junior Emma Roos as Best Ensemble with their portrayal as Underling and Mrs. Tottendale, as well as some others for the crew!

Bellefonte had a very successful theater season with both The Play That Goes Wrong, and their recent production of The Drowsy Chaperone. It’s safe to say that the seniors in this production had a phenomenal last show.