No Bread For You!

Rome Sweet Rome

The clever and uniquely imaginative performing group, The Q Brothers, have proven their ingenuity over and over again in Chicago. Their brilliant OTHELLO: THE REMIX was an entertaining, updated and easy-to-follow hip hop reimagining of Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Othello.” And the holidays wouldn’t be the same without the delightful and hilarious Q BROTHERS’ CHRISTMAS CAROL. This modern day contemporary urban riff on the Charles Dickens holiday classic is as innovative as it is funny. And while their shows might be aimed at young adult theatergoers, savvy audiences of all ages will delight in the group’s imaginative retelling of familiar stories.

The Q Brothers’ latest offering is not only a retelling of Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,” it’s a biting criticism of our current political intrigue in America. Since the election of America’s 47th President, it feels like we’re no longer living in a democracy. The United States looks more like a Banana Republic run by a egotistic dictator…much like Julius Caesar. Everyday more and more of our nation’s Constitutional freedoms seem to be taken away and each day the democracy of the United States begins to look more and more like authoritarianism.

Told entirely through music, using Rap music and 90’s Hip Hop, as well as snatches from familiar pop/rock tunes (such as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”), The Q Brothers offer a scathing and satirical variation of “Julius Caesar,” melded with some caustic criticism of this country’s current political climate. The parallels drawn between the Bard’s 1599 historical drama and the USA today are bold, brave and eerily uncanny. While the Bard sought to show audiences that murder and political violence is never the answer, most theatergoers will understand how Brutus feels. When he says,“Shall Rome stand under one man’s awe?” and “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more,” we get it. Throughout this electrifying one-act production, the audience can be heard emitting gasps of recognition along with gales of laughter.

Without ruining the experience for future theatergoers, or trying to describe 90-minutes of magical whimsy, wit and wisdom in a couple paragraphs, suffice it say that you don’t need to know the original source to enjoy the modern sensibilities of ROME SWEET ROME. From the first notes of Hip Hop music, audiences will recognize the familiar kind of high tension running through the veins of every citizen. Brutus and Cash (originally named Cassius) can see that Caesar (or Julie, as he’s affectionately called) has become a tyrant. No one’s allowed to question his word because there’s no governmental checks and balances anymore. Caesar’s current ban on carbs has really raised the ire of the populace, who all love their pasta and pizza. Vegetables and salads are now the dictated mainstay. So, no bread for you! 

Cast as Caesar is the Q Brothers’ Postell Pringle, or POS (OTHELLO, THE REMIX), who plays a commanding role that’s equally frightening and funny. He portrays the vain and headstrong leader who’s persona smacks of someone very familiar to us and constantly in the news. Another veteran of past Q Bothers productions is the gifted Victor Musoni (the Q BROTHERS CHRISTMAS CAROL), portraying the handsome, strong and likable Brutus; and Cage Sebastian Pierre (Co-Creative of CST’s Shakespeare in the Parks) is powerful and eloquent as Tony (Marc Anthony in the original play). 

Julie’s wife, Purney (Calpurnia), is brilliantly and hilariously portrayed by the always magnificent (and recent Jeff Award-winner for ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE) Bri Sudia (A BEAUTIFUL NOISE, on Broadway). Watching this gifted actress gloriously sashaying around the stage, clad in her gold cape and crown, with her arms flying akimbo, you’re witnessing true comic genius. And, I may add, a superior vocalist, as well.

Two more Q Brothers starring in this multitalented ensemble cast include JAX, or Jackson (FUNK IT UP ABOUT NOTHIN’), as Tre Bone/and a DJ; and Jeffrey Qaiyum, or JQ, (co-founder of the Q Brothers) who plays Metta/and another DJ. Both of these guys are absolute pros and have provided hours of enjoyment in past Q Brothers productions over the years. In this new play they are two of the standouts. 

The talented company of additional supporting actors includes some great, gut-busting performances that linger long after the final bows. Janyce Caraballo (LITTLE WOMEN at Northlight) is superb, especially as the spooky Soothsayer (“Beware Halloween”) and Lucy, Brutus’ sycophantic intern who rises to power. The always terrific Danielle Davis (CORDUROY, TWELFTH NIGHT at Chicago Shakes) is drop-dead hilarious. She reminds audiences of her versatility as she plays Ms. Casca, the Roman who leads to the revolt to restore bread to the menu. Both C-Pimp and Brutus’ wife are played with finesse by Maya Vinice Prentiss (CST’s COMEDY OF ERRORS); and Cash (Cassius) is played by the dynamic Jonathan Shaboo (THE BAND’S VISIT at Writers).

The production was inventively Created and Directed by the Q Brothers Collective (GQ, JQ, JAX and POS). In addition to acting in the show, Jeffrey “JQ” Qaiyum is credited with being the show’s Composer. Tanji Harper puts the company through their paces with some electrifying Choreography. The always creative Jos N. Banks is the show’s Costume Designer; Collette Pollard’s majestic Scenic Design, dominated by a giant naked statue of Caesar, is made even more brilliant by Jesse Klug’s sparkling Lighting Design.

For anyone who might be skeptical about understanding the fast-paced lyrics of the Rap and Hip Hop score, fear not. The Supertitles, or the visual translation of everything being sung, appears clearly above the on-stage action. Just gaze upon the large LED screen for quick clarification. My only criticism is that whoever was operating this device at the opening press performance needs to keep up with the singers a little better. Often the transcriptions were several beats behind what was being sung.

For an entertaining and very funny satire of both the Bard’s classic and today’s current events, head to Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. The Courtyard venue is bursting with brilliant color, light and sound, offering a multitalented cast, who’s ability to Rap and dance is matched only by their excellent comic timing. The Q Brothers newest production offers a sharp, new slant on the comedy of errors that’s occurring today in our country. The show will also remind those of us who read and studied “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” in high school how timely that 16th century drama still is today. And when dining after the show, just remember Caesar’s firm decree: “No bread for you!”            

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented September 23-October 19 by in the Courtyard Theatre by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, 800 E. Grand Avenue on Navy Pier, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the CST box office, by calling 312.595.5600 or by going to www.chicagoshakes.com.

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