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Living the Dream
A comedy about not quite making it
Written by the ensemble
Directed by Gregory Peters
Presented by: Set A Spell Productions
& Maryaska Productions
At City Lit Theatre
1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave
Chicago, IL
Call 773-991-1341, tickets $10 – $15
Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM
Sundays at 3 PM
Running time is 1 hour, 45 minutes without intermission
Through February 11, 2007
Comedic memoirs of young Chicago actors filled with honesty and heart
Set A Spell Productions and Maryaska Productions have produced a workable and enjoyable show that is an honest, personal comedy about the struggles of young actors as they work to ‘make it’ in Chicago theatre. Filled with short scenes, monologues and funny skits and sketches, Living the Dream is their stories: Kaitlin Byrd’s, James Dunn’s, Layne Manzer’s, Justine C. Turner’s and Lindsay Verstegen’s. Topics include the bad plays, awkward auditions, abusive agents, dead-end jobs where they’re treated badly to their own clumsiness and self-doubt. Gregory Peters’ fine direction and staging added to the polish of this show.
We see their relationships suffering causing crushing moments, heartaches and embarrassing situations. There is movement, music and dancing as well as smart comedy and telling dramatic scenes in this realistic look at the struggles actors face in today’s world. The bravery of all five comes over as does their determination. Their ability to appear ridiculous and their lack of melodrama speaks to their honesty and to their story telling ability. I found the show to be an excellent demonstration of stagecraft as each of the players had their moments. This show is a funny piece filled with heart that will get you to empathize with the struggles of young actors.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date reviewed: January 7, 2006
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