A Fanciful Feel-Good Charmer

Amelie

The walls of Joe Allen’s, one of my favorite restaurants in New York City, are adorned with theatre posters. That’s not unusual for a Broadway eatery, except that the window cards are all from musicals that flopped. If the poster for AMELIE is hanging there it’s because, when it premiered on Broadway five years ago, the musical didn’t do very well. The show only racked up 83 performances before the producers eventually pulled the plug. That’s not what you’d call a smash hit.

But Kokandy Productions has a sound reputation for taking musicals that haven’t fared well in the Big Apple and creating a fresh, exciting new version for Chicago audiences. Shows include Kokandy’s exciting productions of ALICE BY HEART, HUNDRED DAYS and, my personal favorite, AMERICAN PSYCHO. In addition to the inventive creativity that’s become a hallmark of this theatre company, much of the show’s charm is how it utilizes the venue. Rather than running away from it, talented Director and Choreographer Derek Van Barham uses the quirkiness of Chopin’s Downstairs Studio. He has inspired Scenic and Light Designer, G “Max” Maxin IV, to incorporate the often annoying support pillars, that seem to be in the way, to a part of his inventive Set Design. The result is a far more intimate and fanciful feel-good charmer that surpasses the original Broadway production. Bravo!

But there’s more! There simply aren’t enough superlatives to describe Derek Van Barham’s wonderful, multitalented cast. The term “triple-threat” is often used to describe an accomplished actor of many talents. But the twelve superb performers in this ensemble production are quatro-talents. Not only is each player an excellent actor, a trained singer and an adept dancer, this cast can all boast being masterful musicians. And each performer proves to be equally proficient on multiple instruments, as well! Audiences will marvel at how skillfully Music Directors 

T.J. Anderson and Anna Wegener have guided their cast and delivered such intricate musical medleys with seamless precision. Theatergoers will fall in love with Daniel Messe’s melodic, romantic score, with lyrics by Messe and Nathan Tysen, played on guitar, mandolin, violin, trombone, piano, flute, clarinet, beatbox, tambourine and other instruments.

Prolific playwright Craig Lucas (PRELUDE TO A KISS, DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS) cleverly adapted Guillaume Laurant’s detailed screenplay from the 2001 Jean-Pierre Jeunet international French hit film. This most unconventional story features a large cast of bizarre characters, all kinds of unexpected plot twists and a myriad of peculiar details that keep the audience guessing and on their toes. Basically the plot is about a beautiful young Parisian woman named Amelie. A Montmontre cafe waitress and a social loner, this impish waif enjoys secretly orchestrating the lives of everyone around her in an attempt to achieve their happiness. However, in devoting her life to everyone else, Amelie forgets about her own enjoyment and bliss…until she becomes involved in the life of a mysterious young man named Nino.

First and foremost, this ensemble cast is led by the extraordinarily gifted Aurora Penepacker. This actress is lithe, lovely and whose lyrical voice commands the titular leading role of Amelie. Ms. Penepacker will be remembered for several of her recent past performances, such as Natasha in NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 at Writers Theatre, Nina in SEAGULLS at Oak Park Festival Theatre and Louisa in Citadel Theatre’s beautiful production of THE FANTASTICKS. This multi-gifted talent completely inhabits the impish young heroine whose unselfish goal is to bring happiness to others. And handsome actor/singer/dancer/musician Joe Giovannetti portrays a shy man named Nino. He’s a geeky collector of discarded pictures left on the floor of photograph booths all over Paris. But a mutual fascination between Nino and Amelie eventually brings both characters out of their shells and into each other’s arms.

The ten multitalented actors who make up the ensemble all play multiple characters, as well as several musical instruments, each. The effect is simply jaw-dropping. Rachel Carreras plays Amelie’s neurotic mother and homeschool instructor, Amandine, as well as flight attendant, Philomene de Noirpois. Kelan M. Smith portrays Raphael, Amelie’s eccentric, germaphobic “World’s Best Dad,” as well as Bretodeau, an adult who recovers his childhood, thanks to Amelie. Todd Aulwurm plays both Parisian poet Hipolito Jeunet, as well as Elton John, in a dream sequence. Lucas Burr is the ubiquitous Blind Beggar, who Amelie helps to “see” the sights of Paris. The actor also plays the Garden Gnome, who comically comes to life in a fantasy number. 

Jon Patrick Penrick portrays artist Julien Dufayel, a recluse who’s devoted his life to recreating Renoir’s famous painting, The Luncheon of the Boating Party. He also plays cranky produce grocer, Collignon. His good-natured mentally challenged son, Lucien, who’s obsessed with fruit, is sweetly played by Sam Hook. Sam also portrays several other minor characters. Sonia Goldberg, one of Chicago’s finest musical theatre performers, splendidly portrays waitress Gina Wells, along with others. Her lovely, heartbreaking ballad, “Window Seat,” describes her pining for a long lost husband. Quinn Rigg is properly smug as Joseph Cottard, Sonia’s ex-boyfriend. Mr. Rigg also plays Fluffy, Amelie’s pet goldfish. In addition to other characters, Samantha Ringor primarily portrays Suzanne, the cafe owner, who walks with a limp because as a former circus performer she suffered an unfortunate accident. And gifted actress Mizha Lee Overn portrays Georgette, a lonely, hypochondriac waitress looking for love. In addition she plays Sylvie, Nino’s co-worker at the sex shop and also understudies the role of Amelie.

Director/Choreographer Derek Van Barham’s incredible new production is absolutely pitch-perfect. There’s not a false note in any of the performances in this wacky, way-out story. It’s simply a joyful tale about a young woman who wants her friends and acquaintances to be happy—even if it surpasses her own bliss. The talented trio of Rachel Sypniewski (Costume Designer), Syd Genco (Makeup Designer) and Keith Ryan (Wig Master) work to help us to further understand each character. Unfortunately the immersive staging sometimes makes it difficult to see all the characters, particularly if the patron isn’t seated at one of the cafe tables. And the night I saw the production there were several microphone mishaps. But all tolled, the wild wonder and whimsy of this French fable make AMELIE a must-see musical, presented up close and personal by Kokandy Productions. It’s truly this Summer’s fanciful feel good charmer.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented July 17-September 28 by Kokandy Productions at The Chopin Theatre, in the Downstairs Studio, 1543 W. Division St., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the door or by going to  kokandyproductions.com or bit.ly/AmelieChicago

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.