The Drowsy Chaperone at Novello from 14 May starring Elaine Paige in the title role.

The Drowsy Chaperone at Novello from 14 May starring Elaine Paige in the title role.

The Tony Award winning Broadway musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone will open at the Novello Theatre 5 June 2007, following previews from 14 May - booking to 23 Feb 2008.

Note: Public booking not open yet!!

Elaine Paige will return to the West End to take the title role. The cast also includes Bob Martin (Man in Chair).

The show has music by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison and book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar. It is directed by Casey Nicholaw, designed by Casey Nicholaw, choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, lighting by Ken Billington and Brian Monahan, with costumes by Gregg Barnes. Sound design is by Acme Sound Partners; orchestrations by Larry Blank and dance and incidental music arrangements by Glen Kelly

To chase his blues away, a modern day musical theatre addict known simply as "Man in Chair" drops the needle on his favourite LP - the 1928 musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone. From the crackle of his hi-fi, the uproariously funny musical magically bursts to life on stage, telling the tale of a pampered Broadway starlet who wants to give up show business to get married, her producer who sets out to sabotage the nuptials, her chaperone, the debonair groom, the dizzy chorine, the Latin lover and a pair of gangsters who double as pastry chefs.

The Drowsy Chaperone opened at the Marquis Theatre in New York in May 2006 and has since become the most celebrated musical on Broadway receiving the most 2006 Tony Awards of any musical, including Best Book and Best Score, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, four Outer Critics' Circle Awards including Outstanding Score and the Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Musical.

Elaine Paige said: "I saw The Drowsy Chaperone on Broadway and loved it and now I'm very excited about returning to the West End in this wonderfully funny, original new musical. I'm really looking forward to being part of a terrific ensemble piece and I think we're all going to have a lot of fun. I can't wait to get started!"

Bob Martin , Bookwriter and Man in Chair, said: "We're all thrilled with the success that Drowsy has had in New York, but as I was born in London there's no bigger thrill for me than to be returning to my home town gainfully employed!"

Kevin McCollum, Producer said: "The Drowsy Chaperone has been a labour of love for all of us who have had the pleasure to work on it, and I am delighted Ms Paige has joined our happy family. The Novello is a wonderful house for the production, and along with the entire producing and creative team, I am thrilled that Ms. Paige has agreed to be our "Drowsy Chaperone" here in the West End." Broadway producer Kevin McCollum's London Theatre Credits are Avenue Q which has recently been nominated for an Olivier Award, Rent and De La Guarda.