Daily Archives: June 5, 2013
Kiss of the Spider Woman
A Dark Web of Terror and Love
“The nicest thing about being happy is that you never think you’ll be unhappy again” is Molina’s response to finding love among the horrors of imprisonment in Latin America. The gay window dresser has been arrested for his (innocent) involvement with a minor, but has emotionally escaped his inhumane treatment through his fantasy world of films, starring movie diva Aurora, the titular “Spider Woman.” In one of many memorable film scenes through which the musical transports us, Aurora’s character is a black widow spider whose kiss marks her victims for death.
Into Molina’s world that juxtaposes fright with fantasy comes Valentin, a new prisoner being held and tortured for his radical political beliefs. The two could not be more dissimilar, but throughout the play a friendship evolves that turns into love. To say more would ruin the surprises found in this dark Kander and Ebb 1993 Tony Award-winning musical, based upon a novel by Manuel Puig. What emerges is a story about hope and the strength and perseverance of the human spirit.
Peter Marston Sullivan’s direction is strong and sensitive. His production shines through the play’s darkness, strongly advocating his theatre’s mission statement of “innovative storytelling…examining truth, beauty, freedom and love through the lens of human relationships.” Talented Linda Fortunato’s celluloid-stylized choreography is sharp and well-executed, effectively utilizing the theatre’s modest space. Seated on three sides, the audience forms the prison’s walls, while the small orchestra remains hidden beyond a fourth curtain. A great deal of this production’s power comes from Patrick Ham’s somber two-story set, lined with prison cells, staircases and movie screens, and provocatively lit by Diane Fairchild. Their combined artistry creates an atmosphere in which both reality and fantasy can flawlessly exist side-by-side.
Nathan Carroll is captivating as Molina. What at first seems a bit over-the-top, even for musical theatre, becomes logical as this talented young man masks his fear and pain with gay flamboyance. With wild abandon, Carroll throws himself into each fantasy scene, emotionally turning on a dime to scenes of panic, passion and pathos. Like the entire cast, Mr. Carroll possesses a gorgeous singing voice that allows him to vocally soar, especially with co-star Evan Tyrone Martin, as Valentin. Their scenes together show a steadily evolving relationship that moves from revulsion to acceptance and, finally, to dependance.
The supporting ensemble features the marvelous Jessica Kingsdale as Marta, Valentin’s girlfriend, and the exquisitely talented Sean Knight as Molina’s love interest, Gabriel. Both transcend their roles with beautifully crafted, empathetic characterizations and stellar musicality. The mostly male ensemble are all strong singers and dancers providing appropriate color and support.
As someone once wisely said, “Happiness is in the heart, not in the circumstances.” In a musical that may not appeal to every taste, this adage shines forth like a candle in the darkness in a world in need of light and love.
Recommended
Reviewed by Colin Douglas
Presented June 1-30 by Bohemian Theatre Ensemble at Theatre Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago.
Tickets are available by calling 773-975-8150 or at www.BoHoTheatre.com.
Further information regarding this and other productions can be found at www.theatreinchicago.com
The 2013 Non-Equity Jeff Awards
40 Years of Theatrical Excellence in Chicago
The Park West Theatre at Clark and Armitage was once again the host for Chicago’s celebration of Non-Equity theatre. The Joseph Jefferson Awards were handed out to the winning non-union theatrical artists after its 52 members attended more than 250 productions this past year.
The festivities were presided over by Joe Dempsey, a long-time Chicago actor and an ensemble member of the Neo-Futurists. He kept the proceedings moving as various presenters honored 120 theatrical artists nominated in 25 categories, with 26 winners emerging as representatives of 17 different Non-Equity theatres. More than 600 guests represented the Chicago theatre, press and the Jeff Committee cheering each nominee and winner.
Live performances from several nominated musicals spiced up the evening, includng production numbers from Theo Ubique’s “Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Circle Theatre’s “Reefer Madness,” Bohemian Theatre Ensemble’s “Spitfire Grill,” Pride Films and Plays’ “Under the Rainbow Flag” and NightBlue Performing Arts Company’s “Avenue Q.”
This year’s Special Award, presented by Jeff Committee chairwoman Diane Hires, went to Richard Cotovsky, long-time Chicago actor, Artistic Director of Mary-Arrchie Theatre and the self-proclaimed “Godfather of Storefront Theatre” for his 40 years of cutting edge excellence in Chicago.
This year’s event, directed by Jonathan Berry and produced by John Glover, honors Chicago theatres that foster artistic growth, promote educational opportunities, audience appreciation and civic pride. (Note: the Jeff Committee honors Chicago Equity theatres and artists in a separate ceremony held in the fall at Drury Lane Oakbrook.)
The biggest winners this year were Circle Theatre and Theo Ubique with 4 awards, The Den Theatre with 3 and Pride Films and Plays with 2.
The 2013 winners were:
Production of a Play–”When the Rain Stops Falling,” Circle Theatre
Production of a Musical–”Under a Rainbow Flag,” Pride Films and Plays
Production of a Revue–”Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” Theo Ubique
Ensemble–”Idomeneus,” Sideshow Theatre Company
Director of a Play–John Gawlik, “When the Rain Stops Falling”
Director of a Musical or Revue–Brenda Didier, “Smokey Joe’s Cafe”
Actress/Principal Role (Play)–Lindsey Pearlman, “Never the Bridesmaid”
Actor/Principal Role (Play)–Jeremy Trager, “Hauptmann”
Actress/Principal Role (Musical)–Kelli Harrington, “Aspects of Love”
Actor/Principal Role (Musical)–Peter Oyloe, “Hank Williams: Lost Highway”
Solo Performance–Blake Montgomery, “Charles Dickens Begrudgingly Performs ‘A Christmas Carol’ Again”
Scenic Design–Henry Behel, “City of Dreadful Night”
Costume Design–Kate Setzer Kamphausen, “Sexy Baby”
Lighting Design–Cat Wilson, “City of Dreadful Night”
Sound Design–Christian Moran, “City of Dreadful Night”
Music Direction–Jeremy Ramey, “Smokey Joe’s Cafe”
New Work–Leo Schwartz, “Under a Rainbow Flag”
New Adaptation–Paul Edwards, “Peyton Place”
Choreography–Brigitte Ditmars, “Reefer Madness”
Artistic Specialization–Kevin Bellie (Projection Design) “When the Rain Stops Falling;” Ryan Bourque (Fight Choreography) “Coriolanus”
Actor/Supporting Role (Play)–Walter Briggs, “The Glass Menagerie”
Actress/Supporting Role (Play)–Felisha McNeal, “Jar the Floor”
Actor/Supporting Role (Musical)–Jason Richards, “Avenue Q”
Actress/Supporting Role (Musical)–Danni Smith, “See What I Wanna See”
Special Award–Richard Cotovsky
Reviewed by Colin Douglas
Further information concerning this event may be found at www.theatreinchicago.com
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