The opening lines of Tacoma Musical Playhouse's production The Drowsy Chaperone epitomize what I have thought every time I've waited for one of the theater company's shows to begin: "Dear God, please let it be a good show. And let it be short, oh, Lord in Heaven, please. Two hours is fine, three hours is too much."

TMP's website claims, "This is the show for you!" But it was still with a small amount of trepidation that I took my seat, hoping against hope that TMP wasn't just spouting wishful thinking. The lights dimmed and the voice of Director/Choreographer/lead character (Man in the Chair) Jon Douglas Rake came out of the darkness and delivered his monologue.

Cutting to the chase ... sweet hallelujah! TMP succeeded. They take a charming "musical within a comedy" that is a "lovely spoof of 1920s musicals ... tongue firmly in cheek" and deliver spot-on performances through the entire show.

There was a lot of laughing (and some obnoxious guffaws) from the audience throughout the two-hour production. TMP chose a fabulous script and the cast pulled off singing, dancing and overacting with aplomb. Rake was especially funny as an agoraphobic Broadway fan with his effortless, conversational style and authentic movement and gestures. 

Mauro Bozzo (Robert Martin) and Philip Lacey (George) were impressive with their song and tap dance number, "Cold Feets."They were some of the more entertaining actors to watch as every line was delivered with the appropriate amount of overacting.

Nancy Hebert (the Drowsy Chaperone) was consistently entertaining to watch whether she was singing or just standing on stage. The number "Show Off" showcased Cherisse Martinelli's (Janet) vocal skills.

Rake again scored as the Set Designer. He created a believable apartment for the Man in the Chair with details such as a tin of Ritz crackers, La-Z-Boy, a bookshelf and magnets on the fridge. 

Costume Director Joan Schlegel put together great outfits for the actors (especially the blue flapper dress for Janet and the costumes for her song "Show Off").  

If you've been waiting for something good to come out of TMP ... go see it before it's too late,

[Tacoma Musical Playhouse, The Drowsy Chaperone, through Feb. 13, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 7116 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.565.6867]