Clay Aiken and Tony Winner Beth Leavel Star in North Carolina Theatre's Drowsy Chaperone, Beginning May 7 | Playbill

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News Clay Aiken and Tony Winner Beth Leavel Star in North Carolina Theatre's Drowsy Chaperone, Beginning May 7 "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken, who was seen on Broadway in Monty Python's Spamalot, plays Man in Chair in North Carolina Theatre's production of the award-winning musical The Drowsy Chaperone, which runs May 7-12 in the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts (formerly Progress Energy Center).

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Clay Aiken

Aiken is joined by Broadway favorite Beth Leavel, who reprises the role of The Drowsy Chaperone that she created on Broadway to Tony-winning effect.

The cast also includes Paige Faure (Janet Van Der Graaff), Linda Griffin (Mrs. Tottendale), Dana Zihlman Harshaw (Kitty), Wes Hart (Male Ensemble/ Superintendent), Adam Heller (Feldzieg), David Josefsberg (Adolpho), Aaron Kaburick (Ensemble), Yolanda Rabun (Trix The Aviatrix), Melissa Steadman (Ensemble), Johnny Stellard (Robert Martin), Patrick Wetzel (George), Dirk Lumbard (Underling), Eric Mann (Gangster #2), Jeremy Morse (Gangster #1) and Jennifer Swiderski (Ensemble/Dance Captain).

The production marks Aiken’s return to the NCT stage after performing there during his youth in the 1996 productions of 1776 and Shenandoah.

“The very first time I ever auditioned for anything was when I stepped into an audition for NCT's production of 1776 back in 1996. North Carolina Theatre was my first experience performing on a professional stage," said Aiken in a previous statement. “It's possible that, had it not been for experience and encouragement I received as a part of this organization, I may never have had the confidence to audition for 'American Idol.' Now, 17 years after my first theatrical performance, I'm happy to be fulfilling a promise I made years ago to return to the stage at North Carolina Theatre.”

“It has always been a dream of ours to have Clay Aiken back on the NCT stage someday. Clay is a remarkable talent and a fine theatre actor - we are beyond thrilled that The Drowsy Chaperone has created this opportunity,” added NC Theatre artistic director Casey Hushion. “We are grateful that Clay has been a longtime supporter and a true friend to NCT and we cannot wait to watch him shine in this incredibly unique role.” The show-within-a-show (with Tony-winning book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar and a Tony-winning score by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison) concerns a show-tune addict (named Man in Chair) who shares with the audience his favorite cast album — 1928's fictional The Drowsy Chaperone. As he plays the record, the vintage musical comes to life around him.

For tickets visit NCTheatre.com or call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 
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