Larry Cervi caps his career with Gateway’s ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’

A decorated career spanning 64 years will come to an end the first week of April, when Larry Cervi directs his final musical at Gateway High School.

From April 1-9, 36 students directed by Cervi will help put on “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Cervi had led productions at local high schools since taking his first teaching job as a 22-year-old in 1958, and for more than two decades, Cervi has served as an adjunct helping direct plays at Gateway.

“I had to make the decision because of my age. I’m 86 years old, and it’s time to hang it up and spend more time with my relatives,” Cervi said. “I’m certainly going to miss it. There’s no question about it. It’s not like I’m glad to be rid of it. It’s something I’ve been passionate about all my life.

“I wasn’t like these kids, who have been exposed to musical theater in high school. I didn’t have that experience until I went to Pitt and got involved.”

The cast will perform six times, opening at 7:30 p.m. on April 1. Performances will be held at the same time April 2, 8 and 9. There will be 2 p.m. showings on April 3 and 9.

“For me, as a producer, Larry was well established when I started at Gateway,” Jim Hoeltje, the high school’s band director, said. “Before that time, I didn’t know him. I knew who he was. I knew the name. I knew him as a musical director, as a performing arts school owner. But I didn’t know him personally.

“Coming to Gateway and seeing the way that he worked and learning a lot from him, I understand why he’s had such a successful career.”

The musical serves as a parody of old-fashioned musicals, a theme that Cervi said was befitting of his final show.

“It was primarily written for a New York audience, because many of the references have to do with theatrical terms, like ‘the fourth wall,’” Cervi said. “In theater, we know that’s the audience. Things like that. There are other jokes that are mentioned about theater. That’s why I’m working hard with pauses and making sure we emphasize certain things that hopefully the audience will get.”

Cervi directed his final dramatic production at the school with Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” in January. Among the cast members was senior Heath Chase, who has performed in six musicals and three plays directed by Cervi.

“He has this wealth of knowledge. It never stops,” Chase said. “He always has something that you can change to be better. It just works. I’ve been with Larry ever since I can remember. If I look at my resume, there’s only two shows that haven’t been directed by Larry Cervi. Larry has been a big player for me.”

Gateway planned to stage “The Drowsy Chaperone” in 2020 before it was canceled near the start of the covid-19 pandemic. There were still limitations for last year’s rendition of “The Theory of Relativity,” which was available to stream online.

Seniors Kylie Edwards and Becca Whealdon said they are especially excited about their upcoming performances in “The Drowsy Chaperone.”

“It’s been two years since I’ve been able to do a Gateway musical, of course because of the pandemic,” Edwards said. “I’m excited to be back on stage with all of my friends. This is also Larry’s last show that he’s doing, so it’s also an honor to be a part of that.”

Whealdon concurred.

“I think it’s just exciting to be on stage and actually perform with a group of people and be able to express your character fully,” she said.

As Edwards, Whealdon and Chase prepare to graduate, Cervi will also transition away from Gateway. Looking back, he said there would be no Tom Brady-type moment, pointing to the recent change of heart from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback. Cervi will remain retired.

“It’s definitely been a passion of mine,” Cervi said. “This isn’t some activity that I do because I just want to help kids. It’s also rewarding to me because it’s about my passion.”

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. They can be purchased ahead of time at gatewaymusical.ludus.com or at the door. Questions can be directed to Hoeltje at 412-373-5751.