News & Reviews Category
Chicago Tap Theatre brings the tip top of holiday cheer with ‘Tidings of Tap’
Tidings of Tap by Chicago Tap Theatre
At the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Theater
Ran December 9-11, 2011
Tickets $20-$35
Highly Recommended
Review by Darcy Rose Coussens
Tidings of Tap celebrates the season with top-notch tapping and creative takes on holiday favorites each year
As a wonderful alternative to sentimental holiday productions, Chicago Tap Theater’s annual holiday show brings together the best carols of the season in a fun show full of truly outstanding tap dancing. Mark Yonally founded a very unique company, and his artistic direction and choreography keep each of their shows fresh and exciting. Tidings of Tap is a traditional favorite in their season, bringing back favorites such as their a cappella rendition of “Carol of the Bells” each year and appealing to Chicagoans of all ages. This family-friendly show is an energetic flurry of tap and music to get you in the holiday spirit.
This year CTT is committed to providing live music for each of their shows, something I believe adds a great deal to the performance for such a percussive art form. The band featured a keyboardist (talented composer and music director Andrew Edwards), as well as musicians playing harp, violin, bass, and clarinet. Dancers also stepped in and out of the band to sing and play guitar, and violinist Samantha O’Connell was featured tapping in some pieces, as well. It was great to have such a blend of talent, and the performance was dynamic musically as well as through the expert choreography and skilled dancers.
This show does a great job mixing up holiday carols. There are Christmas-themed pieces such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and one of my favorites, “You’re a Swingin’ One, Mr. G” which involved an interesting arrangement of “Mr. Grinch” and lots of funny expressions; Hannukah songs, including “Hannukah, Oh Hannukah” and “Kiever Dreydlekh” (Dreidels of Kiev); and just plain winter celebrations, such as “Winter Wonderland” and “Snowflake Suite.” This is a great show for all ages, and at the end everyone is welcome to join the cast on stage to perform the Shim Sham, a standard favorite for tap dancers everywhere. It was exciting for tap dancers from seniors to six-year-olds to get up and tap themselves, since the choreography was so catchy you wanted to try it yourself!
The company members are extremely personable, especially Mark, who came out to talk to the audience himself. To cover costume changes, he improvised a solo to “Christmas Time is Here,” which was as impressive as the choreographed numbers, and the two newest company members played name that tune with the audience by tapping favorite carols. Every bit of CTT’s shows are enjoyable, and they produce a varied season that includes a story-based show which will be narrated live this year by Marc Smith, creator of Poetry Slam. Their shows have a laid-back feel but the dancing is always meticulously polished and often involves unbelievably fast feet!
Tidings of Tap also featured a few outside youth performing groups on different nights. The performance I saw featured Footprints Tap Ensemble from Libertyville, and they were excellent. While the show was a bit pricey at $35 for adults, $25 for seniors, and a discounted $20 for students and dancers, I would still be willing to spend that kind of money to see some of the best tap dancing Chicago has to offer. There’s not a whole lot of it out there, and this group brings more than just good tap dancing– it brings innovative and fun themes and concepts. I appreciate the variety and spirit CTT has to offer, and considering how well its three holiday shows sold, it seems Chicago values it as well.
A Christmas Story – The Musical is a major REward
By Lazlo Collins
The Chicago leg of a two week tour, “A Christmas Story” – The Musical opened at the Chicago Theater last night.
Amid a late but appreciative crowd, I was holding my expectations at bay. Having seen the movie that this latest endeavor is based upon, I was not at all sure that the musical would capture the warmth and charm of the original cinematic sequences and characters.
I am happy to report that this production of “A Christmas Story” brings to life the story of Ralphie and Co. to its most full holiday splendor.
The story of one boy’s dreams of a fulfilling fire armed Christmas is brought to life in vivid staging, costumes, and characters that are now classics in the Holiday must see checklist.
The story begins with expert narration by Gene Weygandt, playing “Jean Shephard” who recollects what it was like growing up in the Parker family household. His perfect deliver of observations and sentimentality, lets the audience know they will be well cared for during their journey into the lives of the Parkers and the surrounding neighborhood characters.
The introduction of each of the Parker household is next. We meet “The Old Man” (John Bolton), “Mother” (Rachel Bay Jones), brother “Randy” (Matthew Lewis), and “Ralphie” (Clarke Hallum). To say that each plays their rolls to perfection would be an understatement. Each presents themselves and their points of view through the story with ease.
Mr. Bolton’s gives 110% every minute he is on stage, and nearly brings down the house with his “Major Awards” musings. Every leg is available and makes it into the end of this high kicking musical number. In contrast, Ms. Bay Jones’ sweet number “Just Like That” makes us yearn for our own mother’s perspective just one more time.
Mr. Lewis and Mr. Hallum show the greatest affection as brothers, and are comfortable in their fights and fits of brotherly love; but Mr. Hallum as “Ralphie” soars above the cast as he brings “Ralphie” to life. He takes us along his journey of discovery, scheming, fear, and ultimate satisfaction with a magnificent voice and expert acting chops. The moment he opens his unexpected present near the end of the show, brought a tear to my eye. His crystal clear voice and warm heart will not disappoint those diehard “Ralphie” fans from the movie. (The original Ralphie, Peter Billingsley, was in the house, and who is also one of the producers of the show)
The excellent supporting children in the show were terrific. I have not seen a show in a long time where the children were playing children, and not some idea about how children should act. Little “Grover Dill” played by John Francis Babbo made me laugh more than a few times. All their voices and harmonies were spot on. Much praise for the pint size ensemble that made me want to be a kid again.
Some supporting cast notables were Karen Mason as “Miss Shields”, Nick Gaswirth as “The Foley Artist”, and Adam Pelty as “Santa Claus”.
Ms. Mason’s evil teacher show stopping “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out” is bound to be a classic and Mr. Gaswirth’s dependable, if not scene stealing, sound effects were just great; particularly, the dogs and Mrs. Schwartz. And as the motivationally challenged Santa in the number, “Up on Santa’s Lap”, Mr. Pelty delivers it message with satisfaction.
The chorus of neighbors, parents and various service people are brought to life with great vocals and exacting choreography.
The direction by John Rando, kept the show moving with performance areas to discover, and with each scene quickly unfolding for the next one.
The set design (Walt Spangler) was a pleasant and appropriate addition to the story, making sure that some key places were present for the audience. For what would “A Christmas Story” be without Higgbee’s, the flag pole or the Santa Slide, right? The lighting design (Howell Binkly) was a key component to the white snowy stage, but never detracted from the action at hand.
The music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul were sweet and keeping with the tone of the storytelling, and yet bringing us some memorable show stopping numbers, producing a pleasant listening experience.
With the costumes (Elizabeth Hope Clancy) just right, the characters kept us enwrapped during the performance. The show’s energy and joy kept a smile on this face, even for a few hours after the full holiday adrenaline was over.
My only complaint was much of the show was directed toward dead center, leaving some viewers on the sides “left out” of some of the scenes that appeared in the Parker house. The radio desks at stage right and left may not have been a problem in a different house.
With the inundation of holiday choices to see and relive, year after year, put “A Christmas Story” – The Musical on your nice list. I know Santa has…
BoHo's clever holiday-sanz-Santa show: 'Striking 12'
By Devlyn Camp
The month of December is an incessant stream of holiday hits and Christmas carols of all shapes and sizes lasting about 24 days. Thereafter, holiday cheer is somewhat misplaced in a limbo between two major holidays. Refreshingly, BoHo Theatre has provided us with a season-friendly musical not about Santa and all the company that follows. On a lonely New Years Eve night, Matt Deitchman (on keyboard) gets a knock at the door from door-to-door light bulb salesgirl Mallory Nees (Guitar, Bass). Told by a four-piece band, the story is a somehow funny modern day depiction of Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Little Match Girl.” Obviously, the ending is much different.
Aside from the songs based
on Anderson’s tale, there are also playful numbers about the New Years Eve parties Deitchman is avoiding. Everyone is welcome to be annoyed about the parties they’re not cool enough to get invited to, and the weird people at parties they do get to attend. Throughout the one-act, the four musicians help Matt avoid his decline into spinsterhood with great jokes, creative sound effects, and near perfect vocals. Mallory Nees is the most entertaining of them all. Quirky and outrageous, she’s got faces, voices and characters galore, all while rocking out on her accordion. They’re all a little weird and all a little more than talented, with a book, music and lyrics to match. If the lyric they boast “Screwed up people make great art” is correct, then call them crazy.
STRIKING 12
BoHo Theatre at Heartland Studio
Through January 1, 2012
Tickets $15, available at bohotheatre.com
Photo courtesy Brandon Dahlquist and Bohemian Theatre Ensemble
Contact critic at devlynmc@yahoo.com
‘Santaland’ Snark Returns to Theater Wit
By Devlyn Camp
He takes a shot, sits back on his stool and says, “I am not David Sedaris.” Mitchell Fain has returned to Theatre Wit again with The Santaland Diaries, based on the story by Sedaris. To any readers unfamiliar with the work, in the story, Sedaris explains being so hard up for cash that he once became an elf in the New York City Macy’s store. Upon joining Santaland, Sedaris learned all the ins and outs of the magical world, slave-whipping Santas, and racist mothers. In a time when most anyone understands the need for a job, we can understand the desperate measures David had to reach. Fain even points out that just down the street there’s a donut shop parking lot in which two people dressed as a donut and coffee are dancing to Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.” But perhaps David had sunk even lower.
In a stand-up style form of storytelling before a red curtain, it seems to readers of the book Holidays on Ice that the original is funnier in its text form. Once Fain gets suited up for work, though, it only gets better. In a green elf suit, an unshaven beard, and a middle finger in the spotlight, Fain hits joke after joke without coming up for air. Knowing he’s at the very bottom, it’s just plain fun to criticize everyone down there with him. Explaining the disturbing behind-the-scenes world of odd department store elfin policies might sound like I’m describing some sort of Macy’s exposé, but it’s just a one-act, one-man play making fun of really dumb people. And isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
THE SANTALAND DIARIES
Theater Wit
Through December 31st
Tickets $18-55, available at theaterwit.org
Photo courtesy Johnny Knight
Contact critic at devlynmc@yahoo.com
Performing Tonight! 'Charles Dickens Begrudgingly Performs…" at Building Stage
By Devlyn Camp
Nearly 160 years ago, a great author began telling his most famous tale aloud for live audiences every year until now. Charles Dickens, author of A Christmas Carol, is now fed up with the annual tradition and ready to just take it easy.
This year he’s determined to just have a party with his friends. We’re all invited. He’ll greet you at the door, take your coat, offer you tea and scones and then he’ll start the party. Unfortunately for him, the Fates simply won’t allow a year to pass without his story getting dusted off. After a brief cold open-style battle with himself, he finally gives in to his classic tale and presents the title: Charles Dickens Begrudgingly Performs ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Again.
Building Stage’s Artistic Director, Blake Montgomery has once again created and directed another show based on a well-known book. His previous play, Moby-Dick in its revival at Building Stage, received a Jeff Recommendation. Now Montgomery has also taken to leading his one-man show in addition to his normal duties. His Dickens character is quirky and playful, sitting with audience members and relating his novella’s spiritual horror through scary lighting and silly character voices. He pauses the reading often to provide a commentary on his words and jab at the writing with puns. For a one-man show based on an old and annual tale, Montgomery makes the story quite engaging.
Dickens clearly points out the common almost secret desire to skip dull traditions and just move on. In relating a story that originally revitalized the Christmas spirit as decorated trees and greeting cards were coming into vogue, Dickens understands that his book is now a part of those annual celebrations. Not to be forgotten, he reads through the final chapters with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come with much care and thought. On a similar journey with humbugging Scrooge, the author once again understands his meaning of tradition.
CHARLES DICKENS BEGRUDGINGLY PERFORMS…
The Building Stage
Through December 24, 2011
Tickets $22, available at buildingstage.com
Contact critic at devlynmc@yahoo.com
‘Changes of Heart’ Gets All the Laughs at Remy Bumppo
By Devlyn Camp
In a translation from 18th century France to 1960s Chicago, Remy Bumppo’s production of the three act play Changes of Heart embraces serious issues in class structure in order to heighten the more significant matter: comedy. Nowadays, it’s a little easier for those to go hand in hand. The start of the show is a bit like a comedic silent film, in which several characters hectically run from various doors of the stage and, without dialogue, their personalities are understood. When the speaking begins, although the setting is the 1960s, the dialogue remains heightened, quick and clever. Seemingly opposite of the dialogue’s description, Harlequin (Nicolas Gamboa) enters, and from here on, he carries the show on his denim jacketed back. On a quest to find his love who has been taken in by a prince who also strives for her affection, Harlequin wines and dines among the royalty in a patient wait for his Sylvia to be set free. In several thoughtful conversations Gamboa overacts to a perfect degree. He’s completely camp and even next to the plainest of characters it feels so right.
In pursuit of Harlequin and somewhat assisting Sylvia, Flaminia (Linda Gillum) is another addition of camp, next to Gamboa. In her deepest moments Gillum is true and intent, and in her wildest, she matches the outrageous masked Harlequin, making them the comedic duo of the evening. In other solo moments, an unnamed ensemble member starts each scene by lip-syncing to an Edith Piaf or Dusty Springfield record. That joke goes beyond comedy’s “rule of threes” and everyone is grateful for it.
In a somewhat soapy, off the wall sort of way, Changes of Heart analyzes fundamental issues in class, respect, and finding beauty within another person. In a set design so simple while so gorgeous, we are allowed into moments between varied characters who attempt to compete with their beauty, but really rely on their minds. Even the jokes are in smartest form, with asides and reflexive comedic jabs at the play’s own upscale language. Many of the laughs are sparked by the cast’s likely unscripted, outrageous facial expressions, which come one after another for the full three acts.
Timothy Douglas has directed an extremely intelligent work with a cast to match. This play has it all: dire issues, belly laughs, real characters, and that over the top edge that makes it, plain and simple, a fun night in live theatre.
CHANGES OF HEART
Remy Bumppo Theatre Company
Through January 8, 2012
Tickets $35, available at remybumppo.org
Contact critic at devlynmc@yahoo.com
‘Pump Boys and Dinettes’ Country and Coffee with Theo Ubique
By Devlyn Camp
The No Exit Café has that simple, relaxing atmosphere that is always nice to find in a local coffee shop or diner. Riding on that, Theo Ubique has opened Pump Boys and Dinettes, a country rock musical that played on Broadway in the early 1980s. The show is more of a revue, playing character tunes marked with one-liners and short scenes between. In a ‘50s style, the two Double Cupp Diner waitresses serve the audience and sing along with the boys next door, who work in the Pump Boys garage.
The pianist/actor/music director Jim DeSelm cues the heartthrob in his solo song “Serve Yourself” and continues to impress in later songs. Aside from DeSelm, other musicians typically stand in the background, ignoring their character, playing through the song without any sort of passion. While Dinettes dance, half the band of characters wait for their solo numbers to spark any of their own excitement.
The two diner girls carry most of the show’s energy, using their kitchen utensils as instruments and providing the most entertaining numbers. Danni Smith constantly excites with a heavy, strong voice, especially in the Double Cupp duo’s sexy and funny number “Tips.” Overall, the diner show lacks a certain energy and feels flat throughout, with small glimmers of fun. Above any problems, though, there are strong, bright vocals in even the dullest of numbers. While the characters may seem commonplace to folks of more southern states (like myself), it is still quite charming for all these city dwellers.
PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES
Theo Ubique at No Exit Café
Through January 15, 2012
Tickets $29-34 (optional dinner to add)
Available at theo-u.org
Christina Hall and Danni Smith, photo courtesy David Heimann
Contact critic at devlynmc@yahoo.com
She’s Ann – Frank and to the Point!
Review of “Ann”
By Lazlo Collins
The first full glimpse of Holland Taylor as Ann Richards is a “Mamma Rose” show stopping entrance tableau. Poised with al tweedy suit and ready for action, she stands defiant, taking the audience on a one woman tour-de force journey that is both educational and inspiring.
Knowing very little about the power house politician Ann Richards, I approached the play with a willingness to learn a little something about the woman behind the plain talkin’, rough n’ ready gal from Texas. I was not disappointed.
Ann Richards was most known for her real life role as chairwoman at the 1992 Democratic Convention; (Delivering an historic rousing speech to the masses) while serving as Governor of Texas from 1990 to 1995, only to be defeated by George W Bush for her reelection.
The play takes us on a journey of her story as told by Richards herself. She uses a commencement speech to start. We then glimpse Ann in her office, playfully talking with her unseen staff, and sparring with the likes of President Bill Clinton on the phone. The play moves with ease as Ann relays important information about family, friends and life. She moves constantly from place to place, as a vibrant illustration of her “If you rest, you rust”, philosophy.
As an actress, Holland Taylor’s credits are not surprising. Most familiar to the mass audiences would be her recent turn as the mother on “Two and a Half Men”. One of my personal favorites is her delightfully upbeat Harvard Law School professor in “Legally Blond”.
Ms. Taylor conceived and wrote “Ann”. Her labor of love is evident in her tough, but tender portrayal of an often out-spoken woman. The recollection of her parents is often a touch stone to figure out how she arrived at wherever she may be. Ms. Taylor’s portrayal draws you in to really listen, whether she is confidently speaking out her pro-choice viewpoints, or reminiscing about her tough mother or inspiring, radiant father.
Holland Taylor completely transforms herself into Ann Richards. Ms. Taylor has done her homework for the role. She has met with the woman she is portraying, and gives us a tender look at the woman who moved through adversity, to come to a place that surprised even Ann herself. Her detailed study of Ann Richard’s look and mannerism should not go unnoticed. Holland Taylor’s acting is superb. She keeps us laughing and interested throughout the play, only to bring us to a tearful goodbye, as Ann talks about the cancer that ultimately took from the spotlight in 2006.
Through Ms. Taylor’s kind portrayal, you ultimately get the sense of what Ann Richards strived for in her life. And that is to have a life, by saying what you mean and moving on from difficulties with bold brash LUMINOUS style.
Go get lost for an hour or so with Ann Richards appearing the Bank of America Theater through Dec. 4. Ann Richards would be glad you did!
Polarity Presents ‘Peer Gynt’ in New Form
By Devlyn Camp
Polarity Ensemble Theatre is currently presenting the Chicago premiere of Peer Gynt in its new adaptation by Robert Bly. Cutting the original five acts down to two, this interpretation still follows an imaginative young man who encounters surreal problems. The set by Heath Hays, in a large black box space, has an overhead boardwalk that spans across the space. It’s beautiful when the lights hit the walk and dramatic slats of light run across the faces of characters below. The production flaunts dozens of first-rate period costumes by Rachel Lambert for over fifty characters, including an impressive puppet troll toddler (designed by Angela M. Campos).
Peer’s delusions of grandeur, and then eventual satisfaction of delusions, lead to some overacting across the board. In many scenes, nearly every actor is working too hard at the heightened, poetic language and any sense of realistic character is gone. Fortunately, some of this can be overlooked seeing that Peer becomes a prince of the trolls and finds himself in bizarre, mythological situations. Young Peer, once wishing that everyone would bow to him, learns the standard lesson be careful what you wish for. The play is interesting, especially in an unfamiliar translation, and still holds the same morals of the Henrik Ibsen classic. Though with every scene waiting between lengthy monologues by Peer, it is difficult to keep interest in the tale. Perhaps they should have incorporated more creative puppetry. That puppet troll toddler really had me dazzled.
Your thoughts on the production? Was the production value better, or the performance? Comment below and let’s talk about it…
PEER GYNT
Polarity Ensemble Theatre
Through December 18th
Tickets $10-20, available at dcatheater.org
Contact critic at devlynmc@yahoo.com
Holland Taylor’s ‘Ann,’ Equal Parts Funny and Smart
By Devlyn Camp
Holland Taylor has never written before, but you’d never guess. Judging by her one-woman play Ann, one would think she’s been writing for years. Inspired by the innovations of Texan Governor Ann Richards, Taylor began researching Richards’s life and wrote the ultimate homage to the political pioneer. The play, in which Holland Taylor also plays Governor Richards, begins with Ann giving a serious, yet comical commencement speech at a fictional college, which digresses into the past, allowing the show to let us see her at work in the Governor’s Mansion. She rambles off little stories and anecdotes of her life bookended by witty jokes and little lessons she’s taken to heart. While talking about her childhood Ann says, “I suppose we were poor…but I don’t like the word. I prefer ‘hardworking.’” And that she was. Ann moves from her home with a difficult mother to raising a family to alcoholism to politics and beyond. Between loosing her marriage and fixing up her “Republican hair,” Ann still finds the time to jab at political scandals and somehow make every profound moment more serious with a joke.
Her story questions the possibility of being able to “have it all.” Ann’s political career only briefly overlapped with her marriage. She couldn’t find the time in her work to completely satisfy housewife duties and vise versa, so she chose the work that she loved. Taylor’s play is about moving on, going ahead and passing fear without stopping to examine it. After learning her place as society saw it should be, Ann learned where she thought it should be and made a new mark in women’s history. But not only does she speak to the imaginary graduates about making one’s self a profound person, she carefully examines the importance of enjoying your own personality and relishing in being loved by someone. Taylor’s play takes the difficult task of one-woman show and triumphs in making the singular actress completely captivating throughout the piece.
“She meant more to me than I had known,” Holland Taylor says in a post-show interview. In its fifth presentation and Broadway bound with more changes to come, Ann showcases an edged personality with a proper understanding that being alive is something bigger than your self. Taylor (Two and a Half Men, Baby Mama) spent several months researching the governor and also spoke to several of Ann’s close friends. Having only met her once, Taylor watched several videos of her to understand the physicality of the woman’s odd quirks. And that is quite obvious when she is on the stage, giving no sign of the actress recognized for her Emmy-nominated roles. “She was Elvis,” Taylor says. A politically brilliant superstar. She didn’t write the biographical play as a career move, she says. She then goes on to say, “I didn’t write it for her fans. I wrote it for America.”
ANN
Bank of America Theatre
Through December 4th, 2011
Tickets starting at $20, available at BroadwayInChicago.com
What are your thoughts on the one-woman play? Good or bad, let’s talk. Comment below.
Contact critic at devlynmc@yahoo.com
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