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Barenaked Lads in the Great Outdoors
Comedy sketches by Andy Eninger
Original music by Michael S. Mahler
Conceived and directed by David Zak
Music director Gary Edward
At Bailiwick Repertory
1229 W. Belmont
Chicago, IL
Fridays at 7 PM
Saturdays at 9 PM
Sundays at 7 PM
Running time is 2 hrs with intermission
Open Run
New naked comedy review is full of laughs
Bailiwick Repertory follows up their long running Naked Boys Singing with a funny, light-hearted sketch comedy musical revue, Barenaked Lads in the Great Outdoors. The new show is uninhibited as it has the six men parading playfully in their ‘au naturel’ to the delight of the half female and half gay male audience. The cheers and laughs greet the boys as they treat us to Michael Mahler’s clever opening number “Barenaked Lads.” John Vardine, Greg Poljacik, Brook Robertson, Keith Stoneking, Scott Thomas and David Zicic sure seem to be having fun in this show. They are completely at ease being nude and we welcome their frankness.
But once the shock value of seeing six men bounce around the stage quite naked, the show must deliver enough laughs, songs and merriment to sustain a comic musical revue. This show does that with a series of funny sketches that include a ‘naked chef,’ a naked barbershop quartet, a gonzo personal trainer on Montrose Beach, a group of grade school students who get a lesson in anatomy and a trip to a firehouse as well as a glimpse into how a Hollywood star swims with a fine assortment of boys. The best number in the show is “In my Body” by Dan Martin and Michael Biello that contains creative dance routine.
Barenaked Lads has a nice selection of cute, original tunes with music by Michael Mahler, Andy Eninger, Dan Martin and Michael Biello. Filled with funny sketch scenes, there is more to this innocent show than naked men. Nudity, gayness and the beauty of the human body are tastefully spoofed in this good natured romp. The voices were pleasant, the dance nicely performed and the boys aimed to please. The girls in the audience especially loved these uninhibited guys. Cheers and laughs abound as everyone was having fun with Barenaked Lads. Robyn Senschak added a cute touch as the girl character in many of the sketches. She rightfully didn’t get naked in this show. After all, it about barenaked lads.
This show appeals to gay men and groups of women who want a fun night out admiring the male form. It is a polished, well performed comedy revue. This isn’t for the kids or the conservative narrow-minded right wing Christians.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed March 19, 2006
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