Out, Loud and Proud

TL; DR: Thelma Louise; Dyke Remix

Theo Ubique continues their praiseworthy mission to present and support new, groundbreaking musicals with this Midwest Premiere. This musical (with the strange title) is a riff on the iconic 1991 film, “Thelma & Louise.” The show features a book by EllaRose Chary, Music by Brandon James Gwinn, with Lyrics co-written by both Chary and Gwinn. The musical, which had its World Premiere at the Diversionary Theatre in San Diego just a year ago, is part Punk Rock concert and Garage Band performance, and partly an exploration of what it means to recognize who you are. The musical weighs in on a person having the courage to come out as gay, while still feeling comfortable in their own skin. In all, the show is an irreverent, dynamic, in-your-face piece that’s presented from a feminist viewpoint. It also looks at various representations of being queer, while also challenging who gets to enjoy a happy ending in their story. The musical’s most definitely out, loud and proud.

Thelma and Louise are longtime best friends. Both have been taken advantage of and suffered abuse by an assortment of sadistic, chauvinist men. So they decide to escape their situation together. Thelma and Louise leave Arkansas, telling those who care that they’re driving to a rural cottage for a weekend of fishing. On the way they encounter all kinds of challenges. Louise kills a man for trying to rape Thelma; then another young man, who has charmed Thelma, steals Louise’s entire life savings. The two women end up fleeing the law, while committing robberies to replace the stolen cash. With mayhem in their wake, and the police on their tail, Thelma and Louise eventually realize there’s no escape. So they kiss, hold each other’s hand and drive Louise’s 1966 blue thunderbird at full speed off the edge of the Grand Canyon.

It’s at this climactic point in the story that the new musical begins. Directed with wild abandon by Claire Divizio, in her Theo debut, the Musical Direction, piano and conducting duty comes courtesy of Ellie Kahn. Thelma, who’s simply called T, is fiercely played by Carolyn Waldee; Louise, whose name is shortened to just L, is magnificently portrayed by Claire Guthrie. Both actresses are making their Theo debut. They each have lovely, cool and clear singing voices. Ms. Waldee takes the stage with her solo, “Oyster,” and a duet with L called “Boy Shorts;” Ms. Guthrie is an especial standout with her solo, “Stuck,” and her terrific duet with T, entitled “Powerful Love.” 

The two actors share a strong chemistry as they navigate their way through a Lewis Carroll-like landscape. Designed by Scenic Designer Rose Johnson, Theo’s playing area resembles a huge, cluttered garage. It’s filled with the kind of assorted toys, clothing pieces, old signs and other discarded items one might find stored in a large car stall. Props Designer Ab Rieve must’ve had a field day searching for such a variety of items! Costume Designer kClare McKellaston pulls together and creates some funky, kitschy and colorful clothing pieces for her cast.

The expert four-member Garage Band features a quartet of talent. These singer/instrumentalists spend the two-hour musical discussing T and L, debating what it means to be LGBTQ+ today and searching for a good name for their musical group. In addition to Ms. Kahn, the Band includes Jack Chylinski as Cubby, on Guitar; Bailey Savage as Marie, also on Guitar; Crystal Claros as Henrietta, on Midi-Bass; and Jeff Rodriguez as Blazer, on drums. They form a kind of musical Greek chorus, narrating and commenting on the two leading characters and digging into gay and lesbian culture. Although the music tends to be extremely loud, often drowning out the singers, some of the songs stand out. The best song in the show is “Love, Yourself,” beautifully performed by Bailey Savage. Seated on Theo’s bar, she expertly accompanies herself on acoustic guitar as she sings. The opening number, “Why Do Strong Female Characters Always Gotta Die?” poses a probing question that offers show’s dynamic starting point. And  “Let’s Keep Going,” the musical’s catchy finale, makes a perfect concluding declaration of independence for everyone.

The problem with this musical is that’s it’s almost always extremely loud. It also tries to tell far too many different stories from a large number of viewpoints. Quite simply, the show feels like a fluid, mish-mash of information and character exploration. The musical’s premise is unquestionably admirable. It may even speak to theatergoers who are confused and questioning their own LGBTQ+ identities. But, for this audience member and his younger guest, TL; DR: THELMA LOUISE; DYKE REMIX mostly comes off as merely interesting. At best, the show’s a very confused concoction about what it means to be out, loud and proud. 

Somewhat Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented September 7-October 12 by Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, 721 Howard Street, Evanston, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 800-595-4849 or by going to www.Theo-u.com.

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