Monday, November 2, 2009

`Thoroughly Modern Millie': All-Around Delight

In all of my years of going to the theatre, rarely have I had as thoroughly enjoyable a time as I experienced last week at the Drury Lane Oakbrook.

“Thoroughly Modern Millie,” at its Oct. 29 opening performance, represented one of those special moments when everybody rose to the occasion—the performers on stage, the musicians, and all of the behind-the-scenes talent that created the visual delights throughout the evening.

The Jazz era musical featured fabulous singing, hilarious lyrics, and unexpected shifts in tempo and tone, often occasionally detouring into outright, tongue-in-cheek campiness. All of it wonderfully complemented the outstanding portrayals delivered by the likes of leads Holly Ann Butler (“Millie,” pictured above) and Mark Fisher (“Jimmy”).

Set in New York, 1922, as women began entering the workforce in rising numbers, the story starts with Millie Dillmount arriving in the Big Apple from Kansas. She tears her return ticket in half, determined to carve out a new life of adventure—well, marry for money instead of love is more like it.

Millie falls head over heels with the flapper lifestyle—and very possibly a man, despite herself and her “modern” gold-digging intentions. Alas, it’s all amid a comically sordid white slavery ring operated out of the dubious hotel where she lodges.

“Thoroughly Modern Millie” is so much more than the sum of its parts, but here are a few to single out:

Paula Scrofano as “Mrs. Meers,” (pictured, to the left) an embittered former chorus girl-turned-villain, elicited the most laughs, and she was ably complemented by Richard Manera (“Ching Ho”) and Paul Martinez (“Bun Foo”) (also in photo to left). Keep an eye out for the overhead “translation” of their conversations—it’s a source of rich humor--and brace yourself for their very own musical number.

Melody Betts (“Muzzy Van Hossmere" and pictured to the right, with Mark Fisher) was a soulfully powerful presence, hitting notes with a captivating, resounding luster. She also provided perhaps the most visually memorable, and riotous, scene when she dons electric yellow Holland clogs.

DID YOU KNOW...That "Thoroughly Modern Millie" began as a 1967 film starring Julie Andrews, Mary Tyler Moore, and Carol Channing? In 2002, the film was transformed into a Broadway musical with an almost entirely new score. The production would go on to win six Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

AND DID YOU KNOW....that Tribune theater writer Chris Jones also loved the show? You can see his review here.

WHERE: Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace; 630-530-0111.
WHEN: 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 1:30 and 8 p.m. Thursdays; 8:30 p.m. Fridays; 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays; through Dec. 20.
HOW MUCH: $29 to $38; for dinner and a show, prices range from $43.75 to $61.
For more information, visit Drury Lane Oakbrook.
PHOTO CREDIT: All photos by Johnny Knight.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Cabaret: Andrews Stirs Laughter Amid Tragedy

Some performers have the ability to make you smile despite yourself--and even despite the circumstances.

For example, I can't help but laugh just about any time I see actor Ben Stiller. Whether he's playing an air-headed model, a hapless Focker or a Tom Cruise stunt double, the guy inspires bemusement by simply being, let alone engaging in any of his off-the-wall antics.

Last Wednesday night, during Drury Lane Theatre's production of Cabaret, I had a similar experience. The emcee, played by Patrick Andrews, put on a dazzling performance that had me grinning, ear-to-ear, every time he appeared onstage.

Andrews' emcee (pictured, to the left) provides maximum levity amid the unfolding tragedy in Berlin, 1930, the time and place for the tale (based on Christopher Isherwood's novel "The Berlin Stories" and John Van Druten's play I Am a Camera.

Between his voice, tinged with a German accent, his larger-than-life smile and his comedic dance numbers, Andrews is charismatic, delightful, sublime.

His welcoming spirit fills a desperately needed gap, given the story's sinister backdrop. The Nazi Party's rise to power, with Adolf Hitler at the helm, is picking up momentum. Meantime, earnest, budding American novelist Clifford Bradshaw falls head over heels for Berlin and, a short time later, an English nightclub singer named Sally Bowles.

Jim Weitzer, as Clifford, and Zarah Mahler, as Sally, (right) have their moments, to be sure. However, they did not stir much romantic chemistry and a Sally with more whimsy--more out-and-out flightiness--could help set the stage for the unraveling that is to come.

Meanwhile, Rebecca Finnegan (as Fraulein Schneider) and David Lively (Herr Schultz) shine. With rising intensity, humor and pathos, they create especially powerful scenes as they awkwardly and tenderly navigate their budding romance in the shadow of the Third Reich's ascent. Their loving serenade of a pineapple is a gem, capped by Schneider's declaration that she is "overvhelmed."

Later, by despairing contrast, Schneider (left, in red dress, in a scene with Christine Sherrill) utters one of the most poignant, unforgettable lines of the production:

"I...regret...everything."

WHERE: Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace; 630-530-0111.
WHEN: 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 1:30 and 8 p.m. Thursdays; 8:30 p.m. Fridays; 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays; through Oct. 11.
HOW MUCH: $29 to $38; for dinner and a show, prices range from $43.75 to $61.
For more information, visit Drury Lane Oakbrook.
PHOTO CREDIT: All photos by Johnny Knight.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Wide-Ranging `Mark's Gospel' Rivets, Inspires

It's a familiar sight: a football player scores a touchdown or a baseball slugger hits a home run and then punctuates the moment with a finger thrust skyward.

I never quite know how to take that gesture, especially when the finger-pointer seems to consistently run afoul of Godly behavior. (Hey, nobody's perfect, we all fall short of the glory of God, but we don't all show up on the police blotter every six months.)

These thoughts flashed through my mind recently at the end of Max McLean's stirring one-man performance of Mark's Gospel, at The Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago.

The remarkably talented actor had concluded the presentation, and cheering audience members had collectively risen to their feet. McLean soaked in the accolades for a few moments, then pointed straight up before leaving the stage.

On the heels of his own crowning achievement--think grand slam home run times 99-yard touchdown run...and then some--McLean's motion was one that was refreshingly genuine and appropriate. He had just spent himself in communicating history's greatest and most important story, and McLean understandably knew that his wasn't, in truth, a one-man show so much as a show honoring the One.

That being said, Mark's Gospel holds broad appeal, whether you are an evangelical Christian or simply a fan of wide-ranging performances that seek to provoke emotion and thought. The two-hour, two-act play is complemented by a large PowerPoint-style map that provides the logistical context for the journeys that Jesus and his disciples took in his ministry en route to the cross.

In telling the story of Jesus, McLean, so wickedly good as Screwtape in The Screwtape Letters, the high level demon in hell, wields his magnificent voice, masterful interpretation and energetic theatricality.

Portraying scenes that are by turns compelling, maddening and hilarious, McLean humanizes what can so easily be dismissed as words on a page. And he does it with such seeming ease that you may be apt to forget that it's one man up there on stage, transforming himself, often in rapid-fire fashion, from one character to another.

“Jesus is certainly a controversial figure.” McLean says. “Yet he has been tamed by overfamiliarity. Bringing a theatrical lens to the original source for Christianity helps restores Jesus back to size. It is meant to surprise and delight. And I need to redeem myself for doing Screwtape these past few years.”

McLean and director Jeffrey Fiske, the producers of The Screwtape Letters, brought Mark's Gospel to the stage through Fellowship for the Performing Arts.

As they both were when my wife, Bridgett, and I saw Screwtape five months ago, McLean and Fiske were affable and engaging as they chatted with us after the performance.

My recommendation: see the show and stick around afterwards to dig even deeper with these talented artists. Time is running short, with Sunday, May 17th marking the final performance. The schedule is Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with matinees on Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Tickets range in price from $29 to $48.50 and are available by calling The Mercury Theater Box Office at 773.325.1700, TicketMaster at 312.902.1500, or visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

Discounted tickets for students and groups of 10 or more are also available by calling 773.477.7666. For more information, visit MarkOnStage.com.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Early and Often: Blood Donors Needed!

If you can donate blood, please do it ASAP!

I have donated frequently over the years, but last year was the first time I made a concerted effort to donate every eight weeks. My next donation is Monday afternoon. See the news release below, from Heartland Blood Centers.

To find a donor center or blood drive near you, visit Heartland's web site or call 1-800-7TO-GIVE.

Swine Flu Affects Local Blood Supply: Your Help is Needed Now!

AURORA, IL. - As potential cases of swine flu reach the Chicagoland area, schools and public facilities will continue to take precautionary actions and close until any suspected cases can be confirmed. Blood drives scheduled to be held at these locations will likewise be cancelled. Case in point, yesterday a blood drive scheduled for a school in Kane County which closed while confirmatory tests are performed, was cancelled. As the prospect for additional closings is likely, officials at Heartland Blood Centers are concerned about the impact on the blood supply.

"It is even more important today for all healthy, eligible blood donors to step forward and donate blood", said Dominique Bazile, M.D., Medical Director for Heartland Blood Centers. "Heartland Blood Centers must be ready to respond to all routine and emergent blood product requests."

In recent weeks, inventory levels of O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative blood types have begun to drop nationwide. Heartland Blood Centers has seen similar patterns in their blood collections. "As the summer months are fast-approaching, we ask everyone to make a renewed commitment to donating blood for others less fortunate", said Ann McKanna, Vice President, Marketing and New Business Development with Heartland Blood Centers. "The gift you will have given patients in need through your blood donation is immeasurable for those whose lives depend on your kindness."

While the four types listed above are in the greatest demand, blood donors of all types are asked to give as soon as possible. To find a donor center or blood drive near you, visit www.heartlandbc.org or call 1-800-7TO-GIVE.

Based on current knowledge and added safety precautions, donors with fever, cough, and/or respiratory infection are deferred. Donors reporting confirmed, probable or suspect swine flu influenza will be deferred for a period of at least 7 days from the onset of symptoms and must be symptom-free upon completion of treatment. Until further guidance is provided by the agencies governing the blood center, donors who have traveled to areas identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as affected by swine influenza (including the entire country of Mexico) will be deferred from blood donation for 7 days following their departure from the affected areas.

As always, to be a blood donor, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, or 16 with written permission; weigh at least 110 pounds; be symptom-free of cold, flu and allergies; and be in general good health. Donors who have traveled outside the U.S. within the past 12 months should contact Heartland at 1-800-7TO-GIVE to determine eligibility.

Friday, April 17, 2009

SEUSSICAL: A Production that Really Rocks

If I want to have a good cry--or at least get the eyes welling--then I know which books to read to my kids.

For some reason, the American Girl series hits me in that sensitive zone. Same with "The First Bear," by Felicity Hansen. My kids routinely steal befuddled glances at me as my voice cracks and I struggle to get through the final stages of those poignant pieces of literature.

By contrast, in my numerous readings of Dr. Seuss books over the past few years, there has been deep enjoyment, amusement and amazement (at author Theodore Dreisel's unpredictable imagination). But never have I come close to something that could be termed an emotional state.

So I was caught somewhat off-guard a few weekends ago when I joined my wife, Bridgett, and our 5-year-old children, Zachary and Maggie Rose, at a performance of SEUSSICAL at Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre for Young Audiences.

It was all I could do not to burst into tears as the protagonist, Horton the Elephant, goes to zealous lengths to protect the planet of Who. (After the show, my wife shared a similar sentiment.)

Guess that shows us the power of live performance. I can only imagine how many Kleenex I’d use up if I ever go see an American Girl show.

As for this Drury Lane production, it wonderfully weaves in a variety of Dr. Seuss tales, taking some liberties with the original plot but remaining true to the essence of Dreisel's messages. Echoing the dominant theme of "Horton Hears A Who," Bernie Yvon (pictured below, in a wonderfully warm portrayal of Horton) issued this refrain over and over: "A person's a person, no matter how small."

The Cat in the Hat (the energetic, engaging George Keating, pictured at the top of this post) narrates the story of Horton the Elephant and his friends as they go on a voyage from the Jungle of Nool, through the mountains and across the ocean, to help a young girl named JoJo bring harmony back to the tiny planet of Who.

Along the way, they must contend with harmonizing birds, a cantankerous kangaroo (Melody Betts, with a booming voice and presence), and some trouble-making monkeys (convincingly portrayed by the athletically built Scott Alan Jones and Jason Shuffler).

Rightly billed as a rock musical for all ages, SEUSSICAL imaginatively depicts friendship, compassion and bravery amidst adversity. For particularly sensitive children, some of the plot turns can be jarring--my daughter at times held her hands over her eyes--but in the heart-warming end, all is well.

Capping the 60-minute production was a 15-minute cast introduction and question-and-answer period, emceed by the fun-loving Cat in the Hat. This phase delivered yet more entertainment. Kids ask the darnedest things, and the cast did a wonderful job of fielding them and offering answers that kids, and adults, could grasp and appreciate.

The show draws from more than a dozen Dr. Seuss classics, such as The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who, Horton Sits on the Egg, Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories, McElligot's Pool, and Oh, The Places You'll Go!

It plays through May 16th at Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.

More Notes about SEUSSICAL:

The musical was created by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the Tony Award-winning team behind the acclaimed musical Ragtime. Ahrens and Flaherty conceived the project with the assistance of Monty Python's Eric Idle.

The performance schedule for SEUSSICAL is as follows: select Tuesday, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10 am; select Saturdays at 11 am (and at 10 am and 1 p.m. on May 16. Call 630.530.0111 for exact schedule, as some show times and dates may vary. Tickets for all shows are $10, excluding tax and handling fees. A

Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets with a major credit card, call the Drury Lane Oakbrook Box Office at 630.530.0111 or visit Ticketmaster.com.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Max McLean Brings "Screwtape" To Life

I have a passion for reading books. With so many yet to be read, I rarely circle back and read the same book more than once. An exception is Mere Christianity, by the late, great, heavenly gifted C.S. Lewis.

To that short list of repeat reads I will soon add The Screwtape Letters, the 1942 Lewis book that catapulted him to literary renown.

When I first read Screwtape, about five years ago, I found it to be a richly told, insightful and, at times, hilarious look at an uncle-and-nephew demon team's efforts to snare the soul of a man in World War II England.

So when a friend from Harvest Bible Chapel organized a "date night" for couples last Friday night to see the current stage production of Screwtape, at the Mercury Theater in Chicago, I leapt at the chance.

The 90-minute show was tremendously, wickedly good. Max McLean, who has played the Screwtape role for about 200 shows, was a commanding, powerful presence. And his sidekick, Yvonne Gougelet, played his cat/secretary, Toadpipe, with remarkable energy. Without uttering an intelligible word, she communicated so such as she encompassed a wide physical range assisting Screwtape and embodying various personalities he conjures.

After the show, McLean (pictured with me) graciously fielded questions and shared insights about the process he undertakes to perform. The impromptu 15- to 20-minute Q and A with me, Bridgett, and a friend were almost as rewarding as the show itself.

Radio personality Mancow Muller was among those who attended the show, and I told McLean that Mancow was profiled by Cathleen Falsani in her excellent book, The God Factor.

Interestingly, Mancow had interviewed McLean for his show recently. At one point, off the air, McLean mentioned his own Christian "conversion experience" at 23 years old, he told me. Mancow, however, did not discuss his own Christian faith with McLean, the actor noted. Falsani outlines Mancow's spiritual side in The God Factor, and McLean was intrigued to check out the book, not only to read Mancow's journey but those of the many others profiled, spanning an array of faiths.

You can learn more about McLean at MaxMcLean.com and The Screwtape Letters' production at Screwtape On Stage.

This is an occasional blog on various musings and experiences. To read more about my professional work, visit the Inside Edge PR blog.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Chester Arthur Photo and Mention


Our 21st U.S. president, the relatively obscure Chester A. Arthur.

Ask your neighbor/friend/postal carrier if they've ever heard of him, and see how few have! He served precisely one century before Ronald Reagan, taking over in 1881 after the death of James Garfiled (everyone's heard of him) and serving until 1885. He died the next year. His sideburns live on!

In fact, below you can see a November 2008 photo of my facial-hair interpretation of Chet--which my wife let me keep for about 11 minutes.



This is an occasional blog on various musings and experiences. To read more about my professional work, visit the Inside Edge PR blog.