Valentine Victorious

By Nathan Allen

Directed by Dennis Watkins

Songs by Nathan Allen

Music by Kevin O’Donnell

Produced by The House Theatre of Chicago

At the Viaduct Theatre

3111 N. Western Avenue

Chicago, IL

Call 773-251-2195, tickets $15 - $19

Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8 PM

Sundays at 7 PM

Running time is 2 hrs, 30 min with intermission

Through March 11, 2006

The House Theatre and Nathan Allen win big with Valentine Victorious

The House Theatre of Chicago over the last few years has accomplished what every storefront theatre dreams of---they have developed  a large loyal 20/30something following. The atmosphere at the Viaduct Theatre was electrifying in anticipation of Part III of The Valentine Trilogy. Part I, San Valentine and the Melancholy Kid (2004) and Part II, Curse of the Crying Heart (2005) were critically acclaimed and played to large houses nightly.

 But something else occurred from these shows which was quite evident at the show’s opening---Nathan Allen, the author, composer and star (as Valentine, the reluctant hero) has attained true “star” status here in Chicago. He is the charismatic everyman hero who garners cheers from each song he sings and when the triumphant rock anthem show-ending song finished Valentine Victorious, virtually everyone in the packed audience leapt to their feet in an uproarious cheering and clapping tribute seldom seen in live theatre. Allen sure has won the hearts of his generation. This was a pleasing sight, indeed to see the young crowd so enthusiastic over a play.

Allen did have help from the multi-talented artists, led by the innovative direction from Dennis Watkins, all of whom share the vision of doing truly original popular theatre where imagination rules over form and barriers between the audience and the actors are shattered. What I said in 2004 still holds true today with the House: “The House is full of young folks who pride themselves on over-achieving with excessive and convoluted shows full of comedy, juggling, magic, improv, rock music, poetry, quirky character sketches all designed to tell stories racked with satire, irreverence and wit. This boundlessly energetic troupe delivers pleasing and entertaining shows that almost defy description, yet leave you happy that you attended. They produce pure fun, a rare commodity in today's theatre scene.”

Valentine Victorious demonstrates how the House has matured in the craft without losing the ingredients that make them special. Nathan Allen has written seven songs and Kevin O’Donnell has assembled 14 musicians including strings, horns and reeds to offer rich musical underscoring as well as background for Allen’s unique assortment of folk-rock tunes.

The reluctant hero, Valentine (Nathan Allen) is situated this time in 1930’s crime infested Chicago where Julian Sabatino (the effective Johnny Arena) is the scare-faced gangster who makes a deal with the devil incarnate ultra-evil Black Skull (Shawn Pfautsch). The only honest cop, Lieutenant George Reed (Jake Minton in a terrific performance) joins with Valentine to thwart the forces of evil before Black Skull can rebuild his bomb which would destroy Chicago. This clever script spoofs the film noir of 30’s detective stories, old monster comic books and sci-fi stories with a boozing old lady scientist, Dr. Crane (nice comic turn from Marika Mashbum), a man with a hideously scarred face and a large metal fist, Liam Connelly ( Mathew Hawkins) and a sexy, poisoning kisser, The Widow (Carolyn Defrin).

 To be sure the storyline is complicated but engrossing with sprinkles of humor, effective asides and adlibs with terrific lighting and sound effects (another House trademark) as well as interludes of Allen’s hauntingly mesmerizing songs that enhance the mood and atmosphere. This isn’t a musical, rather a comedy/morality/parody play with music. There are many deliciously campy bits and scenes that work together as a fresh approach to virtue and truth that wins over the forces of evil. We have much fun along the way as we anxiously anticipate what will happen next with this unpredictable show that is infectious and energetic. The “I Want A New Religion” emotional song was impressive. Allen composed a bluesy torch song “Kiss Kiss Bye Bye” that Carolyn Defrin deftly nailed. The music here was the Allen’s best to date and Kevin O’Donnell’s arrangements were excellent.

We celebrate Valentine’s victory over evil with the souring anthem that got the rafters rattling with “Never Fear, Valentine is Here.” An emotional ending to a magnificent original trilogy from a special theatre troupe. This is Chicago innovative theatre at its zenith.

Highly Recommended

Tom Williams

Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments

This show is eligible for a C.S.T. Non-Equity Theatre Award

January 14, 2006

Jeff Recommended