tick,tick...BOOM! at Porchlight Theater

 

In this particular moment, we are here alive and feeling and let us make the most of this moment, for we do not know what the future holds. Those words are not uttered by any character in Jonathan Larson's “tick, tick...BOOM!” that opened at Stage 773 last night and concludes Porchlight Music Theatre 2011 – 2012 season but it is the obvious theme that is present though out the show and in his other piece the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning rock musical RENT. It's certainly the theme of Jonathan Larson's short but well documented life which serves as the the basis for the one man show that was re-shaped by Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright David Auburn and presented off-Broadway at the Jane Street Theater in 2001.

Tick, Tick....BOOM! Tells the story of Jon an aspiring composer, who lives in New York City in 1990 and close to is 30^th birthday is frustrated at where his career in musical theater is and more importantly where is life is. Jon is torn worried that he hasn't contributed anything of note while his best friend Michael has given up his passion for acting for a successful career in Marketing and his girlfriend Susan wants to leave the stress of the city and settle down for a simpler future.

 

Jonathan Larson writes passionate anthemic music that can leave you at the moment exhilarated and emotionally devastated such as he is has with Johnny Can't Decide, Real Life, See Her Smile, Come to Your Senses, Why, and Louder Than Words. All songs that rise above the story and can affect the listener on a deeply personal level the only problem is that they like is general theme are all very much of the moment and not something that are easily relateable or memorable to everyone.

Which is not to say that there is not an audience for these songs or that this is not memorably powerful music in story that everyone who is of a certain younger lost generation can relate to. It is and it is stuff that if you are inclined to see this point of view can haunt you and stay with you for quite a while. However for the other half of the audience who is probably more inclined to be on the side of his best friend Michael might leave unmoved and left out, the ones who realize how important today is but still can't ignore the incoming future and if nothing us make sure they are prepared for it. Those who have a harder time just letting go and living life for today without fear or consequence for the future would have a completely realistic yet different viewpoint on the show and might not succumb to the raw emotion this music much like rock music provides.

However all of this is built into the piece itself and to a larger degree Jonathan Larson's work in general, it is in no reflection attributed to Porchlight's stellar production directed and choreographed by Adam Pelty who directs his small cast to convey all the emotional confusion with impending adulthood while never choreographing a step that doesn't look or feel unnatural. 

In in the exhausting leading role Adrian Aguilar projects so much honesty and isolation not too mention while belting the vocally difficult role like its nothing. At the beginning I was worried that the band was a little excited and would drown him out but by the finale “Why” he soared at the right moments and had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. As his friend Michael Bear Bellinger displayed some lovely towns in the intensely dramatic “Real Life” is able to show that other side of the piece. The friend who has given up on fantasies and wants to prepare for the reality of the future in order to forget about the harsher realities of today. As his girlfriend Susan and the only female in the piece Jenny Guse reminding me of another Chicago favorite Roberta Duchak (long absent from the Chicago stages but currently music directing Writers Theater's upcoming production of “A Little Night Music”) doesn't sacrifice the realistic needs of the character for wanting something different in life even at the expense of what the leading man wants. She sells her two solo's Green Dress and “Come to Your Senses,” which as a personal note this reviewer wishes would have been included as a character song instead of song within the show as to maximize the full potential of it being an emotional knockout piece.

Jonathan Larson wanted to write rock music for the theater and without a doubt he has succeeded. He has written music that speaks to a particular generation, a particular type of person, and a particular time in someone's life when that person can forget regret and believe that there is no day but today however with that said just like any really good rock music out there his music depending on their perspectives can divide an audience just as much as it can bring them together.

Porchlight Music Theatre presents Jonathan Larson's tick, tick....BOOM!, directed by Adam Pelty with music direction by Diana Lawrence, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., April 28 – June 10. The performance schedule is Fridays at 7:30 pm., Saturdays at 8 pm. And Sundays at 2 pm. There is an additional Friday June 1 performance at 10 pm. Single tickets are $38 with group and student discounts available. All tickets are available at stage773.com, porchlightmusictheatre.org or by phone 773.327.5252.

HAIRSPRAY at Drury Lane Theatre

You can't stop the beat or as director Tammy Mader has proven in Drury Lane Theatre's infectiously delightful production of the Tony Award-winning “HAIRSPRAY” that opened tonight and is running through June 17^th nor would you ever even want to.

Based on the 1988 John Walters cult classic film, that starred a young Ricki Lake and was the final film for Walter's muse Divine, which was then turned into a hugely successful 2007 movie musical that starred John Travolta and Michelle Pfeiffer . HAIRSPRAY is the exuberant story of big-hearted, pleasantly plump teen Tracy Turnblad played with charm and heart by the adorably big voiced Lillian Castillo. Tracy will stop at nothing to fulfill her lifelong dream of appearing on the popular Corny Collins Show (Rod Thomas whose voice is as big as his smile) and win the heart of the coolest kid in town Link Larkin played by Erick Altemus who is all teen idol mixed and is able to make his character land. As Tracy's parents one wishes that Saturday Night Live cast member Tim Kazurinsky had more charm and possessed additional chemistry with Jeff Award winning Michael Linder who is comedic gold as Edna Turnblad.

In additional roles as Penny Pingleton Rebecca Pink steals every moment she is on stage and possesses one of the largest voices I've heard in the role and Holly Lyn Laurent as Amber nails the ruthlessness of the role without sacrificing any of the camp. Speaking of being ruthless as the villain of the piece one misses the haughty grandeur that Hollis Resnik brought to the role in the Marriott Linolnshire production a few years back but one can't ignore Keely Vasquez's star quality and sensational voice.

Sadly I'd say the one disappoint in this sensational cast is Tony Award Nominee Felicia Fields as Motormouth Maybelle. Ms. Fields a Tony Award nominee for Outstanding Featured Actress for her role in The Color Purple on Broadway seemed to be missing the vocal heft for the role and the drama that could have made her big solo “I Know Where I've Been.” I've witnessed Ms. Fields perform ever since I first caught her at a benefit for Dale Benson at the now defunct Candlelight Dinner Playhouse where she stopped the show with a rendition of Family from “Dreamgirls.” The woman has vocal flourishes to spare and can sell a performance like its no ones business which she proved in an impromptu bit right before the second act finale so maybe it was just an off night for her.

It's amazing that a show such as HAIRSPRAY that is currently so popular and probably in the DVD players of so many kids today plays so fresh and doesn't miss any of the well orchestrated laughs that are built into the piece, from the opening wake-up scene all the way to Edna's entrance at the end. This is all due to the talents of director and choreography Tammy Mader who makes everything work so well and pop on stage. She's ably assisted by assistant choreographer Ariane Dolan and musical director Malcolm Ruhl who taken this big comedic show and made it work without missing a beat.

Another reason the show works so well is the music of Marc Shaiman, Lyrics by Scott Wittman that evokes the music of the period that still advances the plot and doesn't feel boxed into the wonderful book by Mark O'Donnell and Marc Shaiman that never fails to find a laugh without sacrificing the heart and charm of the show.

That seems to be the strength that is built into the piece and makes it so endearing that from the opening refrains of the innocence of “Good Morning Baltimore” to the driving anthem “You Can't Stop the Beat.” The best way to think about this is show is to look at Ms. Castillo's Tracy Turnblad who is probably one of the most endearing characters in musical theater. Ms. Castillo a modern day zaftig Nellie Forbush who is a girl that no matter what life throws her way is just going to stand up tall, look you up in the eye, and shake the meanest tail feather that you've ever seen and she will probably thank you for allowing her to do it.

HAIRSPRAY is running at the Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane through June 17, 2012.  The performance schedule is as follows:  Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. ($35), Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. ($35) and 8 p.m. ($40), Fridays at 8:30 p.m. ($45), Saturdays at 5 p.m. ($45) and 8:30 p.m. ($46) and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. ($45) and 6 p.m. ($40).  Lunch and dinner theater packages range from $49.75 tp $68 depending on the day of the week.  Group rates for Student tickets start as low as $20 and Senior Citizen tickets start as low as $30 for matinees and $44.75 for a matinee lucheon package.  For reservations, call the Drury Lane Theatre box office at 630.530.0111. call TicketMaster at 800.745.3000. or visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.
     

The Pirates of Penzance at Marriott Lincolnshire

In a winningly wonderful revival of their 2000 production of Gilbert & Sullivan's “The Pirates of Penzance” Marriott Lincolnshire Theater once again proves that not only are they at the top of their game when it comes to top of the line musical comedy's but also in allowing Chicago actors the chance to give memorable performances that will stay with you for years to come.

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE follows the story of young Frederic who, as a child, is mistakenly apprenticed to a band of tenderhearted, ophaned pirates.  Upon completion of his apprenticeship to the pirates on his 21st birthday, Frederic is released from his servitude.  Soon after, he meets the fair maiden Mabel, daughter of Major-General Stanley.  The two fall instantly in love; but as always, obstacles threaten to cause trouble for everyone.  In the Marriott's production that takes a show that was originally done in 1879 and makes it work on so many levels in a testament to all in involved inthis production.        

Let's start off with the joys to be had by the creative team with the production that's running though June 13^th and directed with great comedic aplomb by Multi-Jeff Award winning director Dominic Missimi who you never for one second feel like is going to lose the reins of this production. This is a show with a huge cast, lots of music, lots of scene work, and could easily fall apart with a less then skilled director and Mr. Missimi leaves no doubt that he could handle this in his sleep and proves it though out the entire production. He is assisted by the gorgeous costumes of his wife Nancy Missimi and the set design by Thomas M. Ryan who keep everything bright and festival and a pleasure to look at. The musical direction by Ryan T. Nelson, orchestrations by David Siegel with musical supervisor Patti Garwood makes the difficult Gilbert and Sullivan music seem like an everyday stroll in the park. Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Sullivan's work when supported by six of these masters when teamed up make this production seem so effortless that you would think that anyone could stage “The Pirates of Penzance” and get away with it. If you throw in the bouncy syncopated movements created by Matt Raftery then you have the icing of musical comedy heaven.

The other joys in this terrific production is the sensational cast that is able to get the not to be taken seriously but smartly does not fall into the over the top type of acting that comes so easily with this type of show. Throw in some heavenly singing and you have a cast almost as strong as the production team that is assembled for this production.

All of that said though In the starry role of The Pirate King Kevin Early could be a little bit more over the top as this along with a few other roles cries out for some ham and Omar Lopez-Cepero as Frederick could have more of a presence the lovely Patricia Noonan is smart enough to play up the ingenue role without making Mabel an idiot and inflects her role with some stunning vocal trills. As the Sergeant Andrew Lupp expertly handles all the tricky choreography while not losing any of the comedic glee his character has while even dealing with a faulty mic in his solo in the second act. In smaller roles Jeff Max, Susan Moniz, and Kelly Ann-Clark delight with small but quite noticeable touches their roles.

In one of the show's two showiest roles Chicago stage legend Alene Robertson as poor suffering nurse maid Ruth lands everyone one of her lines in her one of a kind dead pan delivery even though one wishes she was a little bit more believable in the role and up to the vocal task. All of this leads up to the performance that is without a doubt going to be picking up several awards this season. Even though he comes in a little bit later in the first act Ross Lehman as the Modern Major General walks off with the show to the point that you might want to rename it “The Model of a Modern Major General” even to the point that I was quite shocked he didn't receive the final bow at the end of the show. This is a performance that I rank up there with some of my greatest Chicagoland stage performances. To say that Mr. Lehman does everything perfect would even still be an understatement as he has the audience and quite clearly the actors eating out of the palm of his hand and can make you howl from just a skip or a turn.

It's quite impressive for a show that's been around so long could still come across as fresh and not as creaky as one might expect to not only make the audience laugh with so much glee and leave with a smile on theirs faces that credit is not only due to the creators of the show but to the creators of this particular production and to top it off Mr. Lehman along with his extremely witty improvisational riff during his solo makes this a must see for anyone.  

 

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE is presented at The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL opened August 13th and is running though June 10th.  The performance schedule is Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Ticket Prices range from $41 to $49, plus tax and handling fees.  Seniors and students recieve $5.00 off a full price theatre ticket on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.., Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings a limited number of Dinner and Theatre tickets are available for $55.00 per person plus handling fees.  Dinner is at Kings Wharf Restaurant or the Fairfield Inn (based on dining availability).  Free parking is available at all performances.  To reserve tickets with a major credit card. call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or www.Ticketmaster.com.  Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.       

MOTHERHOOD THE MUSICAL at the Royal George

I usually have a saying that goes someday's there is God and then there's Oprah and then on others there is Oprah and then there is God. In “MOTHERHOOD the Musical” the saying should go more like there's Mom and then there's God or possibly Oprah, whatever is bigger at that moment but nothing is bigger then Mom.

MOTHERHOOD the musical which opened at the Royal George Theater last night and runs though June 17^th is a bouncy, breezy, crowd pleasing type of show that strikes an emotional chord with many in the audience (mostly women) and should enjoy a healthy run while in town.

The show written by author and songwriter Sue Fabisch, tells the story of Amy played with a tad bit of perkiness from Madeline Duff-Feins who is thrown a surprise baby show by her neighbors and friends Barb, an over-worked stressed out mother of five Brooke, a lawyer who works too much and barely sees her kids and Tasha, a single mom struggling to balance work, family and a divorce. Each of these three mothers spend the 20-song cycle informing Amy of both the highs and lows of motherhood.

The show in structure, style, and almost musically borrows a lot from other shows in similar theme as I saw a lot of Dan Goggin's “Nunsense” in this particular show down to the gospel number at the end. However the old saying should stil apply “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.”

The cast works in overtime to sell each of their vaudeville style numbers with everything they've got and then some. As Barb or Sister Robert Anne, Jennifer Chada has some of the crudest material of the three but delivers it like its Andrew Lloyd Webber and with a voice to match that style of music. Melody Betts as Sister Hubert has a personality almost as big as her voice and delivers her numbers like this was the last performance she was ever going to give. I hope the Marriott is thinking about her as Effie for there upcoming production of “Dreamgirls” because she can sing the stuffing out of anything. As Brooke, the mother with the least to do or otherwise known as Sister Mary Leo, Kimberly Vanbiesbrouck has some great dance steps and stops the show with her performance of the song “Costco Queen.”

The moves along quickly though at 20 songs after a while all the songs seem to sound the same and the show could use with some editing however such crowd favorites such as Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Minivan, I'm Danny's Mom (sung beautifully by Jennifer Chada, however no where in the rest including when she names each of her children does she mention Danny again), Not Gonna Take it Anymore, and The Kids Are Finally Asleep had the audience eating out of the palm of cast and creators hands.

However all that said as I looked around and judging by expressions on a lot of the women's faces I could tell that this was a show that most in the audience got due to the fact that they could see a lot of themselves up on stage and for an audience life experience can be as strong a bond as motherhood.

MOTHERHOOD THE MUSICAL is playing at the Royal George Theater though June 17^rd. Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays t 7:30 pm., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. And Sundays 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com by calling 800.982.2787 or at the Royal George Theatre box office, 1641 North Halsted Street. For additional ticket information, visit www.theroyalgeorgetheatre.com.

JERSEY BOYS at The Bank of America Theatre

Jersey Boys

At the end of the show when the full company joins together and sings “Who Loves You?” its quite clear by the audiences reaction that question does not need to be asked.

After making its return to Chicago after a triumphant run in Chicago that broke box office records at the Bank of America Theatre and played from 2007 to 2010 “JERSEY BOYS” which opened last night at the Bank of America Theatre will play for nine weeks though June 3^rd.

JERSEY BOYS is the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons like its predecessor “Dreamgirls” shows the backstage life of a group from the humble beginnings to their super star reunion complete with all the backstage fighting’s, betrayals and personal demons. Where as “Dreamgirls” told a fictional tale of a girl group JERSEY BOYS is the story of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi set to the music of that era. The show contains such classics as Earth Angel, Cry for Me, Sherry, Big Girls Don't Cry, Walk Like a Man, Oh, What a Night, Stay, Can't Take My Eyes Off of You, Woking My Way Back to You, and Who Loves You? songs that that are embedded in the ears and hearts of almost everyone out there.

The show's book by Rick Elice moves as fast an furious as those classic songs do and with direction by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff they are able to fit an entire life of these men plus everyone they seem to have ever met into their lives in under two hours which is surprising that the finale moments involving a personal tragedy seems so rushed though other then that the show is a knockout and definitely a crowd-pleaser from top to bottom.

The excellent cast also work very hard to make these fully realized sympathetic characters when they could have easily been caricatures that sing just some classic songs, with each of the Boys has his moment to shine during the proceedings. Joseph Leo Bwarie displays an impressive range that evokes Franki Valli's range and tone and while having the least of the charismatic roles still lands with his portrayal. As the groups founder Tonmy DeVito, John Gardiner takes the standard tough guy role and is able to build an impressive arc while Michael Lomenda's Nick Massi makes you feel for the Ringo of the group even though there is a lot of mystery towards him. As the man who provided them with so many great songs Bob Gaudio Preston Truman Boyd projects a sincerity and honesty with his acting that matches his youthful appearance.

The resent of the large ensemble works overtime to make their characters memorable and not just scenery that rushes past the stage with standouts being Jonathan Hadley, Karla Tremel, and Joseph Leo Bwarie.

At one point in the show Nick Massey speaks that their fans weren't like the Beatles fans were that there music appealed to the everyman and with this show and this production it's quite clear why that is as you walk into the show humming the music and walk out of it singing the lyrics.

JERSEY BOYS is playing at the Bank of America Theatre though June 3^rd tickets are on-sale now and start as low as $7. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnit), the Broadway in Chicago Ticket Kiosk at Water Tower Place (845 N. Michigan Ave.), the Broadway in Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations (including Hot Tix and select Carsons Pirie Scott, Coconuts and fye Stores), and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

For more information on JERSEY BOYS, go to www.BroadwayInChicago.com or www.JerseyBoysTour.com.

PREPARE TO ROCK THE MAGNIFICENT MILE THIS SUMMER

CHICAGO (March 6, 2012) Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that the five-time Tony Award® nominated musical ROCK OF AGES is returning to Chicago this summer by popular demand, June 5- August 5, 2012, for a highly entertaining, intimate, rock concert experience at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 East Chestnut). Individual tickets for ROCK OF AGES go on-sale Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 10 a.m.

"This is certain to be a high-energy magical experience for all those who attend. Returning to its roots, this will be the first time since it was conceived that ROCK OF AGES will play an intimate venue where the audience will feel like they are part of the hair band party," says Eileen LaCario, Vice President of Broadway In Chicago.

ROCK OF AGES is a worldwide phenomenon with smash hit productions in Australia, London, South Korea and still rockin' on Broadway, featuring 28 classic rock tunes including“Don't Stop Believin'”, “We Built This City”,“The Final Countdown”, “Wanted Dead or Alive”,“Here I Go Again”, “Harden My Heart”, “Can't Fight this Feeling”, “Renegade” and “I Want To Know What Love Is.” And now it will sit down at the Broadway Playhouse in Chicago for nine weeks this summer.

In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small-town girl met a big-city dreamer – and in L.A.’s most legendary rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80’s. It’s ROCK OF AGES, a hilarious, feel-good love story told through the hit songs of iconic rockers Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, Whitesnake, and many more. This five-time Tony nominated musical, with a star studded motion picture in the works, is rockin' its way across the USA. Don't miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on!

Individual tickets for ROCK OF AGES go on-sale Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 10 a.m. and tickets range from $70 - $80. A select number of premium seats are also available for all performances. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.

For more information on ROCK OF AGES visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com or www.rockofagesontour.com.

RIVERDANCE at the Oriental Theatre

Back in 1994 when RIVERDANCE was first performed during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest who would have ever thought that it would grow into such a world wide phenomem that along with a tour that doesn't ever seem to die includes recordings, and PBS specials.

The recent U.S. tour that opened March 13^th at the Oriental Theatre and is playing for only eight performances here is being billed as the a goodbye to Chicago. Which makes one think will they never be allowed to perform here again? If anyone is caught Irish jig dancing or singing an Irish ditty if they would be arrested and thrown out of the city. Judging by the huge turnout and thunderous applause that simply will not do for the proud Irish Chicagoan's who flocked to see this production.

And flocked is the right word for a show that has played over 10, 000 performances, been seen love by over 22 million people in over 350 venues world wide, travelled 600, miles, played on television to over 2 billion people, sold over 3 million copies if a Grammy winning CD and sold over 10 million videos. Those are stats that even Rent and Wicked can't match.

The show makes a strong case for the amount of Irish influences in flamenco dancing as performed in

two sizzling solo's by Marita Martinez-Rey and with a show stopping tap routine from DeWitt Flemming Jr. and Michael E. Wood who besides stealing their scene from principle dancers James Greenan, Padraic Moyles, and Jason O'Neill had the audience eating out of the palm of their hands.

So much has been said about the dancing, the performers that attention must also be paid to the impressive 5 piece on stage band lead by Declan Masterson and a showstopping fiddle turn by Rose Duffy who is impressive enough in her solo pieces that any dancers would look like props to her.

The unfortunate aspect about this tour is that it is obviously a copy of a copy of a few other tours which most notable in the costume and set budget making the costumes look like they were borrowed from a high school production of “Brigadoon” and the projections at one point reminded me of a community theater production of The Wizard of Oz however those are small things for a show that seems to be beyond critic proof especially in a town that wears the pride of the Irish heavily on its sleave. This is a show that you leave your cares and worries along with your thoughts behind and just go and enjoy some amazing dancing.

Riverdance is playing at the Oriental Theatre for eight performances till Sunday March 18,. Individual tickets are currently on-sale now and ranger in price from $30-$85. Tickets are available at all Broadway in Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 75 E. Chestnut), the Broadway in Chicago Ticket Kiosk at Water Tower Place (845 N. Michigan Ave.), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations (including Hot Tix and select Carson Pirie Scott, Coconuts and fye stores), and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Groups of 15 or more may receive a discount on most shows by calling (312) 977-1710. Gift certificates, which can be redeemed for any production or for season ticket packages, can be obtained at Broadway in Chicago box offices, www.BroadwayinChicago.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 775-2000.

For more information on RIVERDANCE visit BroadwayinChciago.com

Legally Blonde at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre

 

“Omigod You Guys, “Legally Blonde the Musical” kicked off The Marriottt Theatre 2012 season in a brightly pink and amped up production that leaves you both exhilarated and dizzy if not a little exhausted from all the excitement that's going on the Marriott stage.

The musical based on the novel by Amanda Brown and then turned into the hit 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon packs a lot of punch in the short amount of time and if sometimes if you feel that the message that the wiliness to do anything for love ultimately gives into the power of personal self acceptance passes you by rather quickly, it does leave you with a fun-filled score that's filled with as much wit as it is product placement.

Legally Blonde as many know who have seen the movie, however for those who haven't is the story of the ever popular and ever determined Elle Woods, who at the start of the show's main goal seem to be to become the wife of the equally popular Warner Huntington III.   Her plans get sidetracked when Warner dumps her to attend Harvard Law School and also to marry someone who appears to be more serious. However to prove appearances can be deceiving, Elle like any modern women decides to hit the books and apply to Harvard where not only does she get in she's able to rise to the top of her class, get everyone to like her, and belt out a pop score with ease.  All of this while maintaining her signature wardrobe of pink.      

In the starring role of Elle, Chelsea Packard sometimes lacks the likeability that is required for the role but provides a strong voice and lands the comedic aspects of the role with aplomb. As Emmett, Elle's champion David Larsen isn't able to make much of an impact except during his song “Chip on My Shoulder.” Much like Jennifer Coolidge in the film and Orfeh on Broadway Christine Sherrill as Paulette steals the show with both her belting and her comedic skills making her role the crowd pleaser it deserves to be. As Professor Callahan Gene Weygandt is able to make a terrible song like “Blood in the Water” land and as Vivienne Stephanie Binetti is able to convincingly turn her character from being unlikeable to slightly more likeable in the matter of a few moments. The rest of the cast are all excellent and energy levels are as up as if the cast were being pumped with several red bulls.

The show is paced so fast that it only allows a few seconds to breath but all of that is handled expertly by director/choreographer Marc Robin's who does wonders with the material. Costume designer Nancy Missimi is able to do wonders with the differences between East Coast and Wet Coast attire and Diane Ferry Williams lighting design never misses a beat.

The music written by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin is catchy and tuneful and feels such power pop anthems as “What You Want,” “Positive,” “Chip On My Shoulder,” and “So Much Better” and the book by Heather Hatch is quick with the one liners and keeps the action flowing while still remaining true to the movie as to not confuse people not familiar with the material.

Legally Blonde the musical gives you the impression that any dream in life can be accomplished with a little hard work, a fabulous wardrobe and to always remain positive no matter what hurdles live might throw you. Isn't that what we all wish life should really be about all the time?

The performance schedule is Wednesdays at 1:00 pm and 8:00pm, Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturday at 4:30 pm and 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Ticket prices range from $40 to $48, plus tax and handling fees. Seniors and students receive $5.00 off a full price theater ticket on Wednesday at 1:00 pm, Saturday at 4:30 pm and Sunday at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings a limited number of Dinner and Theatre tickets are available for $55.00 per person plus handling fees. Dinner is at Kings Wharf Restaurant or the Fairfield Inn (based on dining availability). Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets with a major credit card, call the Marriott Theater Box Office at 847.634.0200 or www.TicketMaster.com. Visit www.MarriottTheater.com for more information.

MadKap Productions Presents

the Midwest Premiere of

at the Greenhouse Theater Center

from January 19 Through March 11, 2012

Chicago – Wendy Kaplan, President of MadKap Productions, announced today that the riveting new production CLUTTER: The True Story of the Collyer Brothers Who Never Threw Anything Out will make its Midwest Premiere at the Greenhouse Theater Center,2257 N Lincoln Ave., previewing January 19;opening Friday, January 20; and closingMarch 11, 2012.CLUTTER is written by seven-time Emmy Award winning playwright Mark Saltzman (The Muppets andSesame Street, Writer’s Guild Award nomination, and five L.A. Ovation Award nominations including Best Musical).Wayne Mell, Managing Director at Citadel, will direct the production. CLUTTER originally made its World Premiere at the Colony Theater in Burbank in 2004 to much acclaim.

The World Premiere of CLUTTER received rave reviews. The Los Angeles Times selected the play for the “Critic’s Choice” Award stating, “This examination of the Collyer brothers—the world’s most famous packrats—is shamelessly entertaining… richly comic… brilliant.”The Hollywood Reporter raved that “CLUTTER is charming [and] delightful… wise, generous and witty.”KABC enthused that CLUTTER is “a riveting play… As a study in bizarre behavior and obsession, the play is engaging and engrossing… hilarious… an intoxicatingly theatrical milieu… scores a clean dramatic sweep.”

CLUTTER is based on the compelling true story of the wealthy, reclusive Collyer brothers whobecame hoarders in their Fifth Avenue mansion in 1920s Harlem. After years of compulsive collecting, the brothers have become notorious shut-ins in their aristocratic New York neighborhood. Langley Collyer is missing and Homer Collyer is found dead amongst floor-to-ceiling piles of newspapers, books, and junk. The police investigating the case, two brothers with a strained relationship mirroring that of the Collyers, are simultaneously making discoveries about themselves. Narrated by the brothers and the police investigating the bizarre case, this darkly fascinating tale is a poignant and profound exploration of human behavior.

There will be a talkback session immediately following the performances every other Thursday evening beginning on January 19. Dr. Scott Kaplan, an Illinois licensed clinical psychologist, will facilitate talkbacks to address questions about hoarding and other themes addressed in the play.

CLUTTER stars Andrew J. Pond as “Langley Collyer” (Metropolis, Citadel, Piccolo, Redtwist, Blue Heron, and Circle Theatre); Northwestern and University of Chicago graduate Edward Kuffert as “Homer Collyer” (Center Stage, City Lit, Inconceivable, Halcyon, Hubris, GroundUp, Big Noise, Citadel, and Jeff nominated as “Danforth” inThe Crucible at Infamous Commonwealth); Joe Mack as “Sgt. Reilly Dolan”; and Michael Jay Bullaro as “Patrolman Keven Dolan” (Goodman, Citadel, and Harper Theatre Ensemble). The production also features Jeff Award winner Stephen M. Genovese (former Artistic Director of Bohemian Theatre Company and Tim Walsh.

The artistic team for CLUTTER is led by director Wayne Mell who has been Managing Director at Citadel since 2009, most recently directingSomething’s Afoot (which starred CLUTTER leads Andrew J. Pond and Edward Kuffert). Mell began his directing career in 1976, receiving the Talented Student Scholarship from Northern Illinois University, going on to continue his study of directing at Victory Gardens, as well as improvisation at The Second City. He continued to direct at Citadel, Attic Playhouse, and Bailiwick Repertory’s Director’s Festival.

Sound Design is by Bob Boxer, Lighting Design is by Matthew R. Godlewski, Properties Design is by Mary Odowd and Set Design is by Andrei Onegin.

Playwright Mark Saltzman, who began his career writing forThe Muppets with Jim Henson, is the winner of seven Emmy Awards for his work onSesame Street. He has also been nominated for the Writer’s Guild Award and five L.A. Ovation Awards, including Best Musical. Notable works includeA, My Name is Alice; The Tin Pan Alley Rag; Romeo and Bernadette; andMr. Shaw Goes to Hollywood. His work has been shown at Laguna Playhouse, The Ballroom, Soho Rep, 13^th Street Theater, Village Gate, Pasedena Playhouse, Goodspeed, The Cleveland Playhouse, Florida’s Maltz Jupiter Theatre, New York’s Roundabout Theatre Company, Miami’s Coconut Grove Playhouse, and New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse.Film credits include Disney, Showtime, SONY, and Universal, includingMrs. Santa Claus (starring Angela Lansbury), The Adventures of Milo and Otis,Three Ninjas Kick Back, and The Red Sneakers. Years after being scolded by his mother, who referred to him as a Collyer brother for having a messy room, Saltzman’s research on the famous hoarders inspired him to write CLUTTER.

Producer Wendy Kaplan has been producing theatre since the age of eighteen. She was previously Managing Director of Stage Two Theatre Company and has produced for many regional theatre companies and worked on various Broadway productions, including Lost in the Stars, The Changing Room, Spofford, and Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. She has also produced many shows at Citadel Theatre Company in Lake Forest, includingSomething’s Afoot, directed by CLUTTER director Wayne Mell.

Performances for CLUTTER will be Thursday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $ 15.00 for students, $30.00 for seniors $30-35 for groups and $40 for general admission. For tickets, call the Greenhouse Theater Box Office at 773.404.7336, or visitwww.greenhousetheater.org. The Box Office is open Wednesday through Saturday 12-8 p.m. and Sunday 12-4 p.m. For group tickets call 312.423.6612 or visit www.grouptheatertix.com.

"Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting" at Lookingglass

Opening at the Lookingglass Theatre Company tonight and playing though February 19th 2012 located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works is the new play "Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting: written by Ed Schmidt and directed by ensemble member J. Nicole Brooks.    

Baseball’s Opening Day is one week away, and Branch Rickey, General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, will call up Jackie Robinson to break the color-barrier and play as the Major League’s first black ballplayer. If he agrees, Robinson will face loud and heated opposition from virtually every owner, manager, and player in baseball – and it won’t be a cakewalk with the fans, either. Who will be his allies be if he makes the most daring and important play of his life? 

Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting features Artistic Associates Kevin Douglas (Clancy Hope) and Anthony Fleming III (Joe Louis), Javon Johnson (Jackie Robinson), James Vincent Meredith (Paul Robeson), Larry Neumann, Jr. (Branch Rickey) and Ernest Perry (Bill "Bojangles" Robinson).

Award-winning Ensemble Member J. Nicole Brooks (Black Diamond, Fedra: Queen of Haiti) directs this dazzling fast-ball script by Ed Schmidt. When 1947’s biggest African American personalities – baseball great-to-be Jackie Robinson, boxer Joe Louis, entertainer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, actor and activist Paul Robeson – meet, ideas and ideals clash and sparks fly, and America’s national pastime will never be the same.