Here’s a rare sneak peek into the lives of the wonderfully talented actors, actresses and crew members who will be a part of Western Connecticut State University’s upcoming production of "The Drowsy Chaperone." Not only will you get an up-close-and-personal look at their backgrounds and favorite parts of the production, but you will get to see one-of-a-kind photographs taken backstage!

Meet the performers

Jared Starkey

Jared Starkey, of Columbia, discovered his passion for performance when he was a senior in high school. He first realized that he loves to sing, then learned that he has a skill for dancing and performing as well! He is now a senior at WCSU and, naturally, his major is musical theatre. Starkey knows that his dream is to be a performer, whether on Broadway or on television.

“I am playing one of the two gangsters, something extremely exciting considering how funny the duo is. They are especially funny because they spend a majority of the play disguised as pastry chefs. I like this role because the gangsters’ performances have a lot of similarities to vaudeville performances.”

“I think that people should go see "The Drowsy Chaperone" because it’s very different from modern-day theatre. Throughout the production, the audience gets to see so many show-stopping numbers, something that isn’t common nowadays!”

Megan O’Callaghan:

Megan O’Callaghan, of Norwalk, has always dreamed of being an actress on Broadway. She is steadfast in pursuing this dream, as she finishes her senior year at WCSU as a musical theatre major.

“I am playing Kitty; she’s basically a ditzy show girl who yearns to steal the spotlight. She says a lot of dumb things but it’s always so funny. I don’t have a lot in common with her except for the fact that we both have a ton of energy!”

“I think that people should go see "The Drowsy Chaperone" because it's absolutely hysterical. It’s a show within a show and every single number is electric.”

Ryan Taylor:

Ryan Taylor, of New Fairfield, has been performing for more than 10 years. He is currently a sophomore at WCSU and majors in theatre performance. When asked why he decided to become a performer, Taylor replied: “I have always been so focused on theatre, it’s why I live and breathe.” Taylor discovered this passion at a young age when he began putting on performances for family members. He was always a huge fan of watching people perform; when he realized that he could be the performer, he never looked back!

“I’m playing the man in the chair. He is such an interesting character because he’s on the outskirts of the performance watching everything unfold. He’s constantly commenting on the performance which is definitely entertaining! I have so much in common with this character, especially the fact that we are both absolutely enthralled with musicals.”

“I love everything about "The Drowsy Chaperone." I initially thought that it was simply a 20s musical, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a multi-leveled, slapstick-style show within a show. It will definitely make the audience feel good.”

Manuel Torres:

Manuel Torres, of West Haven, is a senior at WCSU. He is majoring in musical theatre, something he has dreamed of doing since a young age. When asked why he loves theatre, Torres said: “It allows me to express myself without having to worry about what others think. This is the kind of job where you love every moment of it.” Torres’ goal for the future is to get involved not only in theatre, but in TV shows and movies as well.

“I am playing one of the two gangsters. I am so excited to play this character because I can totally relate to his sarcastic sense of humor! He’s such a fun character and he’s unlike anyone I have ever played before.”

“I think that everybody should go see "The Drowsy Chaperone" because they will find a character that they can relate to. The entire play is so high energy and the music is so catchy!”

Eric Gomez:

Eric Gomez, also known by his stage name Eric McKinley, is from Prospect. He fell in love with theatre during his sophomore year in high school, so it’s no surprise that he’s a musical theatre major at WCSU! Gomez is currently a senior and he plans to move to New York City following his graduation.

“I’m playing Feldzieg, the producer of Feldzieg Follies. He isn’t one of the comedic characters, which is ironic because in real life, I’m always the one making jokes. Most of my scenes are done with Kitty, which is great; the actress who is playing her is my best friend in real life!”

“I can’t wait to share "The Drowsy Chaperone" with everyone. It’s filled with so many amazing numbers and we all have such a blast on stage!”

Behind the Scenes:

Elizabeth Popiel

Elizabeth Popiel, the set designer for WCSU’s production of "The Drowsy Chaperone," is the mastermind behind the stage’s wooden floors, intricately designed walls, and everything in between! Along with her amazing crew, she has been working on the set components since August!

Popiel graduated from Rhode Island College with a double major in studio art and theatre, then went on to be the first graduate from SUNY Purchase with an MFA in scenic design. Popiel’s big break came when she was hired to create the scale models of OJ Simpson’s home for the ABC coverage of the infamous trial. It doesn’t stop there: Not only has she been teaching theatre design classes at WCSU since 2001, but she also works as the art director for "Good Morning America."

When asked what her favorite part of this production is, Popiel said “It’s by far the element of spectacle. The tricks and surprises throughout the performance won’t fail to amaze the audience. This performance dazzles the senses and the design elements bring frivolous joy.”

Popiel working on a 3-D set model that she has created for the production

Students putting the final touches on one of the set components

Students carrying materials for the set construction

Sharon Sobel:

Sharon Sobel, the costume designer for WCSU’s upcoming production of "The Drowsy Chaperone," has always loved musical theatre. Sobel began her college career at SUNY Albany as an acting major. She grew to realize that her passion was with costume design. Following her graduation, she attended Carnegie-Mellon University and graduated with an MFA in costume design. After designing costumes for various productions and working at “clown college” where she designed the ensembles for Ringling Brothers Circus, Sobel taught and served as the department chair at University of Nebraska at Omaha for 21 years.

When asked what her favorite part of designing the costumes for this production is, Sobel said “I love designing the costumes for this show because I can use as many sequins as I can lay my hands on. I have never met a sequin I didn’t like.”

Sobel said that she is particularly fond of this play because it’s a love letter to the genre of musical theatre and pays homage to those who are passionate about it.

Sobel doing a final fitting on one of the performers

A student working on the finishing touches of a headpiece

Sobel showcasing the two books that she has published: "Draping Period Costumes: Classical Greek to Victorian" and "Theatrical Makeup: Basic Application Techniques"

The dedication and enthusiasm radiating from each and every one of the individuals who are part of this production were simply inspiring. WCSU's entire theatre department never fails to amaze and I know that this production won't be an exception.

"The Drowsy Chaperone" will be playing from November 9th to November 20th. For information on the specific times and prices, go to www.wcsuvpac.eventbrite.com

For all WCSU students, be sure to see the student showing November 9th at 7 p.m. in the VPA building. (It's free!)

-Krysta Scriven