Displaying items by tag: Sara Reinecke

What first made its mark on Broadway ten years ago in November 2012, has now become a traditional holiday play for theater goers to attend – when it comes to town. Based on the mega-popular film, A Christmas Story: The Musical is regularly being mounted by theater companies come November for families to enjoy. Already well-equipped with the humor, timeless plotline and loveable characters from A Christmas Story, the musical adds to that by bringing in a massive selection of numbers written by Pasek and Paul (book by Joseph Robinette) that make this a big stage event that is sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit. And while so many films or TV shows don’t really translate to the live stage, A Christmas Story: The Musical does.

Based in Small Town, Indiana, the story revolves around a family in 1940, Ralphie Parker specifically, wonderfully played in this production by Kevan Newman (also played by Keegan Gulledge in alternating performances). Christmas is around the corner and all Ralphie wants is the Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun. But whenever he brings up the BB gun to anyone, he is promptly shut down and told “You’ll shoot your eye out,” repeatedly his hopes are dashed, but Ralphie can still dream. Ralphie gets a brainstorm when his teacher, Ms. Shields (fantastically played by Jenna Coker-Jones) hands out an assignment for her class to write an essay on what they would like for Christmas. Simple, Ralphie will write about the Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun, and everyone will be so impressed his parents will have no choice but to gen him the gun. Well, not so simple as a series of hilarious sequences take place and Ralphie’s Christmas plans are not looking so certain.

At the same time, Ralphie’s father cast as The Old Man and brilliantly played by Lorenzo Rush, Jr., has finally won a prize for his relentless efforts at a crossword contest (thanks mainly to the help of his wife deftly played by Sara Reinecke). The prize might not be close to the generous cash awarded for the top spots, but it’s a prize – and it’s his prize, and he couldn’t be prouder of his tacky lamp of which its base is that of a show girl’s leg. He places it so it is displayed in the home’s from window and he is the envy of his neighbors.  

That lamp is just one more reason for holiday cheer in the Parker household.

The dynamics of Ralphie and his family 1940’s living is just so enjoyable to watch and the surrounding characters in this funny musical have so much to offer. Seasoned actor, Kevin McKillip, narrates the story as a grown up Ralphie looking back and reminds us why he considered one of the finest stage performers in the Chicago area. His timing is impeccable. And going back to Coker-Jones, she is most certainly another one of the show’s standouts, while Lorenzo Rush, Jr. is a thrill to watch in just about every scene he is graces us with – and, wow, his singing voice!

Performed in the round at Marriott theatre, A Christmas Story: The Musical is a holiday hit that has it all. From its nonstop laugh out loud scenes to its big, colorful song and dance numbers to its warm and moving story at its core that centers around family, this is a sure-fire treat to add to this Christmas season’s to do list.

A Christmas Story: The Musical is being performed at Marriott Theatre through January 1^st. For tickets and/or more show information click here.

Many of us know the story. Three women who work in an office and seek revenge on an abusive male boss. Who can forget Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda as they made a united stand for women in the now classic film “9 to 5”. Our women heroes are lovable, fiery and smart and, with that said, “9 to 5 the Musical” is playing at The Den Theatre and is a must see!

Recently, I have been on a Broadway kick and even bought season tickets and with a lackluster start of the season, I was ready to check out some local plays – something I encourage everyone to do. The Den Theatre is cozy, and the bar is nice as well. This wasn’t my first visit, but my first since they had renovated the space. With upgrades and newly created theatres, The Den is vastly improved and gives theatre goers even more reason to check out a play. The theatre is divided up in different sections across its three floors, each space unique from the other in order to hold different styles of plays.

The funny musical with music by Dolly Parton is put on by Firebrand Theatre which is all about empowering and employing women in the industry. With movements like “Time’s Up” and “Me Too,” it is great to hear about the work they are doing. “9 to 5” makes sense for Firebrand Theatre to produce as the story includes three strong women who are looking to bring in flexibility and positivity into the workplace.

The caliber of talent in this show speaks for itself. The production’s set, through simple, with the phenomenal voices belonging to each member of the diverse cast really stuck out in my mind. Sharriese Hamilton who played Doralee, was fantastic. Her energy and flawless southern accent was perfection. We see her character being followed by an office rumor of her having an affair with the manager, Mr. Hart. It was quite disgusting to see Mr. Hart, played by Scott Danielson, degrade her and do things around the office that put her in such compromising positions.

Violet (Anne Sheridan Smith) and Judy (Sara Reinecke) round out the trio. With excellent performances and growth throughout in each character, I couldn’t get enough of the show!

“9 to 5” reminds me of how far we have come but is also a reminder that we still have so much more to go when it comes to the workplace. We should continue with the fight and advocate for fairness in all aspects of life. We should do better.

Go see the musical that includes a variety of fun songs, including its title number, at the Den Theatre (1331 N. Milwaukee) as soon as possible. The play will be running until May 20th and tickets costs $45 and well worth the experience.
“9 to 5 the Musical” is being performed at Den Theatre in Wicker Park through May 20th. For more show info visit www.firebrandtheatre.org.