Time After Time
The songs of Jule Styne
Directed by David Heimann
Musical direction/Arrangements by Aaron Benham
Choreography by Emil Rogers
Produced by Theo Ubique
At No Exit Cafe, Chicago
Master songwriter, Jule Styne’s songbook in good hands
Theo Ubique goes back to their cabaret roots with a tuneful production of prolific Tin Pan Ally songwriter Jule Styne’s songbook. Jule Styne (1905 – 1994) wrote over 1500 songs for Hollywood and for Broadway. He collaborated with lyricists Sammy Cahn and Stephen Sondheim among others. Frank Sinatra called Styne: “the best there is at what he does.” Gypsy, Funny Girl, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Do Re Mi are among Styne’s Broadway scores. His theme “Three Coins In The Fountain” won an Oscar. Styne’s style was emotional, sophisticated and varied.
The cast of terrific singers is anchored by the fabulous Danielle Brothers – a ‘belter’ with the exquisite ability to both enunciate lyrics and to ‘sell’ the song’s meaning and emotions expertly. She is a marvel to watch on stage. Cabaret was made for Brothers. From “People” to “Don’t Rain on My Parade” to “Hey Look, No Crying,” we hear Brothers nail the nuance of each tune.
She gets loads of help from Stephanie Herman, Christopher Logan, Khaki Pixley, and Andrew Sickel. Herman was a hoot as she lands “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” in a fine tribute to Marilyn Monroe. Christopher Logan not only sing well but he dances expertly. That talent allows him to showcase Styne’s well known tune “I’m Just in Time.” Pixley is terrific with “Blame My Absent-Minded Heart.” Sickel tenderly nails “There’s Nothing Rougher than Love.” Combining duets and full ensemble harmonies and cute dance movements, Time After Time unfolds as a fun, silky tune fest that showcases the skills Jule Styne possessed making him one of the premier songwriters of the 20th Century. Come to No Exit cafe in Rogers park to hear an old-time cabaret show so slickly performed that you’ll think your at a Rush Street nightclub. With no amplification, this cast belts their way through the show with verve to spare.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2012
For more info checkout the Time After time page at theatreinchicago.com
At No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood, Chicago, IL, call 800-595-4849, www.theoubique.org, tickets $29 – $34 (dinner extra) rotating with Light In The Piazza, check the website for exact playing dates, running time 2 hours, 20 minutes with intermission, through July 29m 2012