LawLawPalooza -The 88th Annual Christmas Spirits Show
A Gridiron Musical of Bench and Bar
Lyrics and Book by Cliff Berman & David Miller
Directed & Choreographed by Marla Lampert
Produced by The Chicago Bar Association
At the DePaul Merle Reskin Theatre, Chicago
Still a funny, fun musical satire and political parody
Fueled by new writers and new music, LawLawPalooza or the Bar Show is a Chicago holiday tradition where every political and public figure is fair game. This show is an irreverent musical comedy revue parodying local and national political, sports, and showbiz figures. Held annually in December, the show is a great way to catch up on the year’s headlines and have a toe-tapping, finger-snapping, hand-clapping good time.
The cast is made up of lawyers, judges and law students who want to show that attorneys have ‘show biz’ talents besides law acumen. They sure do as the large cast deftly sings, dances and lands their biting parody garnering enough laughs to leave audiences smiling aplenty.
This year the Bar Show has spoofs of Rahm Emmanuel, Price William, John Edwards, Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, Chris Christe, Herman Cain, Betty Loren Maltese, Rod Blagojevich, Chaz Bono, Rick Perry and Mitt Romney among others. Using a pop/rock original score along with parodies of classic show tunes from shows like Oklahoma, Anything Goes, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Most Happy Fella among others, LawLawPalooza uses clever biting lyrics to poke fun at the hypocrisies of public figures.
It is amazing to watch mostly amateurs command the stage and deliver their comedy with such deft aplomb. Director Marla Lampert has the lawyers dancing up a storm while the singing ranged from strong to adequate. This 100 minute one-act has enough comedy and satire to be a fun holiday experience. Come see how a group of dedicated folks can lift your spirits while poking at the political hypocrites among us. Hurry, the show only runs through December 10.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Talk Theatre in chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2011
For more info, checkout the Bar Show page on www.theatreinchicago.com