Whatever It Takes

Revolution(s)

An international coalition, led by the United States, went to war with Afghanistan in 2001. Operation Enduring Freedom was our nation’s response to the horrific tragedies inflicted upon America on 9/11. The military action raged on for many years, in an attempt to destroy the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization and the Taliban military regime. Though the armed conflict officially ended in 2021, there are still clashes and unrest that persist. Many young Americans bravely served their country during the bloody conflict. But if and when they returned home, these young soldiers often found that their home turf was now in the midst of its own revolution. 

Young Hampton arrives back in Chicago to find that there’s no peace on the South Side of the city. The region is in a constant bloody conflict with the police. Besides being a veteran suffering from PTSD with a drug habit, Hampton is a talented and aspiring musician. But instead of immediately heading home, where Emma and Ernie, his mother and twin brother, are waiting for him, Hampton chooses instead to reunite on the street corner with his musician besties. They include fellow musician Sean, and the love of his life, Lucia. Leon, Hampton’s father, who’s also a musician and a war veteran himself, is serving time in prison for a life of crime. Despite the best efforts by Emma, Leon, Ernie and even  Hampton himself, the young veteran finds that his life is inescapably headed in the same direction as his father. But, as the finale of this musical proclaims, we all do “Whatever It Takes” in order never to lose sight of the love that fuels the resistance. After all, it’s our hope, rather than our anger, that pushes us to create a positive change in our lives.   

REVOLUTION(S) is a World Premiere Punk/Metal/Hip-Hop Musical, that’s brilliantly Directed by Steve H. Broadnax III, with expressive Choreography by Millicent Johnnie. The production was co-created by two gifted artists. Talented Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, guitarist Tom Morello, of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, wrote the music; and New American Play Prize-winner and Chicago playwright, Zayd Ayers Dohrn, penned the book. Additional Music and Lyrics are by Boots Riley, Big Boi, Killer Mike, Knife Party, Grandson, Ryan Harvey, Matt Shultz, Chris Stapleton and Anne Preven.

The musical was first introduced to audiences through the acclaimed New Stages Festival. The decision to include this new work in Goodman’s Centennial Season reflects the Theatre’s belief that every show this season will hold a mirror up to our shared humanity. The Goodman also feels that theater is a place where bold, new stories are born and nurtured. In REVOLUTION(S), we see the way in which young people are pushing the world toward change, motivated by hope and love. The Goodman’s belief is that, inspired by this play, multiple generations will summon courage, engage in conversations and share their collective humanity.

Steve H. Broadnax III’s stellar cast of professional, multitalented actors are dynamic and awe-inspiring as they share Dohrn’s story. Making his Goodman Theatre debut, Aaron James McKenzie is nothing if not truthful and sincere as Hampton. Appearing on Broadway in the Neil Diamond story, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE, as well as in the International Tour of RENT, Mr. McKenzie displays unrelenting stamina and a unique musicality in this challenging role. As Emma, Jackie Burns (WICKED, Broadway; TITANIQUE, Off-Broadway) is simply mesmerizing. This beautiful, charismatic and gifted actress totally commands the stage with honesty and sincere emotion. Ms. Burns displays great chemistry with her costar, Al’Jaleel McGhee, as Leon. Mr. McGhee is skilled, soulful and says more through his eyes and body language than most actors can with words. He’s also a most talented vocalist. He’ll be remembered by local audiences for his many Chicago performances at theaters like the Steppenwolf, Northlight, Court, Chicago Shakespeare, and many others.

Lovely Alysia Velez (INTO THE WOODS, Broadway; IN THE HEIGHTS, The Muny) is accomplished and able as Lucia. Ms. Velez also happens to possess a powerhouse voice that sells each and every song. As Ernie, Hampton’s quieter fraternal twin brother, handsome Jakeim Hart makes the most of his Goodman debut. This incredibly talented guitarist, singer and actor plays a young man who wears his heart on his sleeve. His honest and deep friendship with buddy, Sean, played with passion and honesty by Chicago actor Billy Rude, is equally truthful and heartfelt. Both actors are accomplished guitarists and vocalists, giving everything to their roles and leaving it all on the stage. And as Sunny, Leon’s kindly cousin, Michael Earvin Martin is one of Chicago’s finest young actors both in musicals and comedies. He was last seen at the Goodman in THE COLOR PURPLE, in THE LITTLE MERMAID at Drury Lane and at the Marriott in JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, among many other performances. Mr. Martin brings much heart and humor to this production. And the energetic, multitalented Ensemble, many of whom understudy leading roles, consists of Haley Gustafson, Christopher Kelley, Eric A. Lewis, Jarais Musgrove, AJ Paramo and Kendal Marie Wilson.

Music Director, Conductor and Bass player, Paul Mutzabaugh, skillfully leads his brilliant onstage Orchestra. The musical ensemble is comprised of Jo Ann Daugherty on Keyboards, Gary Guzman on Guitar 1, Chris Siebold on Guitar 2, and Dan Leali on Drumset and Percussion. They’re housed in an upstage corner of Derek McLane’s versatile, multilevel Set Design. The production is Lighted with brilliance by Greg Hofmann and features unique, moving Projections Designed by Rasean Davonte Johnson.

REVOLUTION(S) is a bold and brave new play that embraces most of today’s current musical genres. With songs like “Stray Bullets,” “Rise to Power,” “The War Inside,” “Raising Hell” and “Fight! Smash! Win!” this work is definitely nothing like a Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe or Jerry Herman musical. It’s a very adult work of art for audiences who recognize that the world is in constant motion. Changes are taking place everywhere everyday, and with so much change comes resistance and turmoil. The loud punk and hip-hop musical style, with its brazenly adult lyrics, may shock the more conservative theatergoer. This is especially true for those with sensitive hearing (although earplugs are available at the door) or of a more traditional mindset. But there’s definitely much to enjoy and so many timely ideas to unpack in the Goodman’s latest offering. And if it takes blinding lights, ear-piercing music and mature ideas and lyrics to get the conversation started—so be it. Whatever it takes.  

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented October 4-November 16 by the Goodman Theatre in their Owen Theatre venue, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 312-443-3800 or by going to www.goodmantheatre.org.

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