The Sherman Community Players have done it again! Last night I saw The Drowsy Chaperone, a “musical within a comedy,” and I must say it was an A-1 production thanks to the visionary direction of Anthony Nelson, a gifted performance by Darrah Dunn in the key role of “Man in Chair,” and exceptional acting by the entire cast. The play, a parody of musical theater in the 1920’s, has something for everyone: singing, dancing, angst, joy, romance and even potential violence.

The script is smart and saucy and Dunn’s nuanced narration of the events in the play allows his complicated character’s life to come into focus for the audience. All the performers bring their A-game to this production, portraying quirky characters with believability and sincerity. There is even some impressive dancing in the play, which is choreographed by Amy Wallace. Adam Adair and Blake Rice’s tap dance routine has the audience clapping by mid-dance, and Allison Minton and Lynda Lewis have everyone laughing with their well-timed comedic song and dance moves. All in all, this was an extremely entertaining way to spend an evening.

Hats off to Anthony Nelson for his willingness to take on yet another ambitious project and deliver the goods to the Sherman-Denison community. His ability to create an impressive visual production as well as coax such excellent performances from his community players is reason enough to give him a standing ovation all on his own.