“The Drowsy Chaperone” has a somewhat misleading title.

There’s nothing drowsy about this musical comedy.

However, “Man In Chair” would not have made a better title.

Man In Chair (Brian Houp) is at the center of the “The Drowsy Chaperone,” through June 18 at The Pennsylvania Playhouse, Bethlehem. The June 4 performance was seen for this review.

I can’t remember when I have laughed so much during an area stage production. I was laughing from the opening moment to the curtain call. I left the theater thinking that this is just the entertainment tonic for the beleaguered times we live in.

This is a very smart play with a very smart cast in a very smart production.

Music and lyrics are by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison with book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar.

The musical comedy parody, opening in 2006 on Broadway, was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, winning five Tonys, including Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical.

In “The Drowsy Chaperone,” Man In Chair is a theater buff. He’s more of a musical theater buff. More specifically, he really likes one musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone” (a fictional 1928 musical). He has played a copy of the cast recording over and over on the turntable in his apartment.

The record album’s cast comes to life around Man in Chair, singing and dancing and dialoguing and cavorting.

Man in Chair loves it. He shares his enthusiasm in direct address to the audience, often stopping the show, interrupting the actors, mid-song, mid-dance and mid-sentence.

The interjections of Man In Chair are not distracting. That many of his observations have nothing to do with the musical makes the show even funnier. The Man In Chair will floor you with laughter.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” director John Corl, with assistant director Marcy Repp, gets splendid performances from the cast. Corl has the actors’ timing to perfection.

The cast is terrific in individual and ensemble singing for music director Alex Garrido. Choreographer Jenn Lagenseipen pulls out all the stops and the cast is up to the fancy footwork, filling the stage with dazzling steps.

The costumes, including a side-splitting “monkeys” getup, are by Todd Burkel. Set and lighting design is by Brett Oliveira.

Brian Houp, in his portrayal of Man In Chair, is so droll, so introverted, and so over-the-top. Houp’s performance is a total delight. He anchors the comedy beautifully.

Grace Nyberg as Janet Van De Graaff, is, pardon the pun, a generator of high energy, while playing the role of a would-be bride with utmost sincerity. Nyberg sings with knowing irony in “Show Off” with the Ensemble, and in “Bride’s Lament,” also with the Ensemble. Her playing it straight renders her performance all the more humorous, while showcasing her beautifully impressive voice.

Trish Kane Steele is a knockout presence as The Drowsy Chaperone and has knockout vocals in “As We Stumble Along” with Janet (Nyberg) and the Ensemble.

Evan Heger has a nonplussed charm as Robert Martin, the would-be groom, and is in fine voice for “Cold Feets” with George (Nate Rosario) and in “Accident Waiting to Happen” with Janet (Nyberg).

Elizabeth Marsh-Gilkeson as Mrs. Tottendale is a delight and in wonderful voice in “Love Is Always Lovely” with Underling (Matt Redline, in a fine understated turn throughout).

Catina Gordon as Trix, the Aviatrix lights up the stage with her presence and astounding voice, especially in “Wedding Bells No. 2” with George (Rosario) and the Ensemble.

Andrew Maldonado is hilarious as Adolpho in the spoofy number, ”Adolpho” with The Drowsy Chaperone (Steele).

Lana Brucker as Kitty is a spitfire with Feldzieg (Sean McFarland), the Gangsters (a memorable Zoli Heft, as well as Daniel VanArsdale), Mrs. Tottendale (Marsh-Gilkeson), Adolpho (Maldonado), George (Rosario), Underling (Redline), Drowsy Chaperone (Steele) and the Ensemble in the absolutely zany number, “Toledo Surprise.”

In additional roles are: Superintendent (Deven Windisch) and the Ensemble (Johnny Bertone, Lauryn Littlejohn, Grace Oddo and Ava Sardt).

“The Drowsy Chaperone” is clever, charming and can’t be beat. Get out of your chair, get tickets and drive to see “The Drowsy Chaperone” at The Pennsylvania Playhouse. This is your wake-up call for comedy. Don’t miss it.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” 7:30 p.m. June 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17; 6 p.m. June 4, 11, 18, The Pennsylvania Playhouse, 390 Illicks Mill Road, Bethlehem. The June 16 performance is “pay-what you-can.” Tickets: 610-865-6665, http://www.paplayhouse.org