Tom Williams From the opening number that was changed and poorly danced by the six boys (instead of the mixed gender 13 from the 1983 original), we quickly realize that this crude production is a mere parody of the lush heart-felt original that was ground-braking in 1983-84 since it featured a male-male relationship. In this production, no one will ever believe that George Hamilton and Chris Sieber have been lovers for more that 20 years
Led by the steady work from Gene Weygandt as Shepherd and by golden-voiced youngster Clarke Hallum as Ralphie, A Christmas Story The Musical is a most winning full-blown Broadway musical true to its source material and marvelously acted, sung, and danced by a 30 person cast consisting of a mixture of Chicago Equity talents and a polished troupe of kid talents. Adam Petly, George Andrew Wolff and Karen Mason are a few of the Chicago players featured in this family friendly new show.
Utilizing flashbacks for the back story, Opus is a compelling ‘family’ story of how personal dynamics, professional jealousy, sexual relationships, and drugs contribute to the vibrant culture of the four expert musicians. Opus deftly offers a glimpse into the artistic world of musicians striving for perfection in their art.
Clara returns to the living room after the party around midnight and is confronted with the mice. She is saved by her Godfather Drosselmeyer who takes her into the Land of Snow. This is the fabulous place where movement is supreme, where ballet takes us into a fantasy land that captivates us with the soaring music and breathtaking dance. In the Land of Sweets, the Sugar Plum Fairy fascinates us in spectacle and movement.
When the queen arrives, Ned is her outspoken opponent since his eminent death from the pox allows him the freedom to say whatever comes to his mind. The debate rages on as the two engage in verbal debate. Elizabeth hides her female side as a mechanism for sovereign survival – ruling as a man works for her. Ned has played woman all his life in Shakespeare’s plays and as a gay man feels more comfortable as a woman.
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 highly entertaining musical revue is light on story featuring small vignettes designed to introduce the next song. Courtney Crouse, in fine voice, narrates and introduces us to the folks at the garage and the diner. Pump Boys featuring a nice blend of country, folk, old-time rockabliiy, blue grass, Cajun, cowboy and western, blues with gospel thrown in. This revue easily grabs us and holds on until we’re filled with enough toe-tapping tunes to satisfy
Elizabeth Ledo is most effective as the Ghost of Christmas Past while Nathan Hosner is eerily scary as the Ghost of Jacob Marley. The Goodman Theatre’s diverse cast is most effective. This year’s energy is heightened and the music is worthy of 1940’s London. Larry Yando is amazing as Scrooge!
With the addition of Michael Mahler, his wife Dara Cameron, and Zachary Kenney, this year’s edition of the radio play version of Frank Capra’s beloved holiday show still is filled with warmth, charm and wholesome American spirit that depicts how the little guy from small town America can effectively affect (for the good) many lives
Book by Timothy Gregory Music & Lyrics by Michael Mahler Based on the Susan Wojciechowski’s book Directed by Timothy Gregory Music Director Nicholas Davio Choreographer Timothy Gregory & Molly Curry Heartwarming sweet original musical is destined to be another Chicago holiday tradition. Tim Gregory found a wonderful Children’s book (and film) and with the help … Read more