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Saget brings melancholy to 'Drowsy'

By Matt Windman | amNY's theater critic

3:29 PM EST, December 13, 2007

This is not the gleefully perverted Bob Saget that we have come to know from his numerous comedy specials. This also isn't the compulsively clean, family friendly Danny Tanner that we grew accustomed to on "Full House." To play the Man in Chair in the crowd-pleasing musical-within-a-play "The Drowsy Chaperone," Bob Saget has transformed himself into the closeted, musical theater-obsessive nerd originated brilliantly by Bob Martin.

A year and a half ago, no one suspected "The Drowsy Chaperone" would become a sleeper-hit. (For the record, the success of "Jersey Boys" was a surprise, too.) Its setup is simple yet unusual: we, the audience, have entered the crammed apartment of a middle-aged man obsessed with the record of a long-forgotten 1920s musical comedy. After his ten-minute musing on theater in general, he starts the record and "The Drowsy Chaperone" explodes into his kitchen.

For the most part, Saget is a riot whenever he improvises new comedic moments. But whenever Saget beholds dreamboat male baritone Percy Hyman in performance, he checks his pants in fear of displaying an erection. But these moments feel forced and distracting, highlighting how Saget's Man in Chair never comes off as authentically gay.

Still, what is remarkable about Saget's performance is his violent mix of melancholy, anger and intermittent joy. It is far different from the giddy, lighter performance of Bob Martin. By heightening these emotions, Saget successfully leads the audience into an emotional journey serving as a companion drama to the musical itself.

Another big delight in a return visit to "Drowsy" is witnessing the gorgeous Mara Davi as showoff diva Janet Van De Graaff, who delivers high belting power and dazzling enthusiasm. Other performances to be treasured include original cast members Beth Leavel as the inebriated title character and Danny Burstein as the dangerously silly Adolpho.

Marquis Theatre, 1535 Broadway, 212-307-4100, $25-111.25. Tues 8pm, Wed 2 & 8pm, Thurs-Fri 8pm, Sat 2 & 8pm, Sun 3pm. Open Run.