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The American Dream Songbook
Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti
And songs from Michael Friedman, Michael John LaChiusa,
Michael Mahler, Kevin O’Donnell, and Joshua Schmidt
Directed by Jason Loewith
Music Director Jeremy Ramey
At Next Theatre
927 Noyes street
Evanston, IL
Call 847-475-1875, tickets $25 - $45
Thursdays at 7:30 pm
Fridays at 8 pm
Saturdays at 2 & 8 pm
Sundays at 2 pm
Running time is 1 hour, 40 minutes with intermission
Through March 22, 2008
Unique look at the American Dream
Next Theatre, always a place for unique and provocative works, has mounted Leonard Bernstein’s obscure 1952 one act opera, Trouble in Tahiti as the anchor for their look at The American Dream Songbook. Bernstein’s vibrant satire of the American Dream spouts:
“Happily married, sweet little son…up-to-date kitchen, washing machine, colorful bathroom and Life Magazine, and a little white house in Brookline..Suburbia!”
The opera depicts the angst that Sam (James Rank) and Dinah (Karen Doerr) as their marriage disintegrates. Bernstein’s libretto is insightful, ironic and poignant. Rank and Doerr energetically sing the heck of out the lyrics with fine 1940’s style trio harmonies with a distinct swing/bee-bop by Jason Bayle, Brandon Dahlquist and Bernadette M.Garza. The operatic style grated on me somewhat as I don’t have much patience with that form. Bernstein’s score was average.
Act two became a revue of contemporary composers, each commissioned by Next Theatre to write about the American Dream. They all chose to dwell on the country’s expectations for happiness. Kevin O’Donnell’s pop tune, “Fear of Failure” was unique. Michael John LaChiusa’s “Betty, the Clam Girl, “ in which a young woman dreams of solving her problems with cosmetic surgery. This funny number was slick and tuneful. Michael Mahler’s “The Rise and Fall of Britney Spears” was a crude, funny slap at the pop star. Mahler’s song has terrific comic rhythms. My favorite songs is Michael Friedman’s “Things We Wanted: Two Murder Ballads.” This folk/lullaby ballad is a haunting exploration of the myths we’re told as children. I think a full score could come from this wonderful song. The revue ends with Josh Schmidt’s “This Little American Dream,” a raucous, New Orleans jazz-style upbeat, toe-tapping tribute to the American Dream.
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The American Dream Songbook is a special evening of sang, it is expertly sung by a cast of strong musical talents. Karen Doerr and Brandon Dahlquist were especially excellent. For a different take on the American Dream, this show has blend of styles with something for everyone.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2008
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