Displaying items by tag: HooverLeppen Theatre

There are several new things about PrideArts’ production of A NEW BRAIN, the most obvious being its new venue at the Hoover-Leppen Theatre in Center on Halsted. PrideArts made the most of its former location at 4139 N. Broadway, but this new venue is a boon in many ways. Its location in the Center on Halsted puts PrideArts in the center of the Gayborhood, and the theatre itself is definitely more accessible and comfortable (though last night it was freezing cold!). The spacious lobby provided plenty of room for the Lakeside Pride Woodwind Quintet, part of Chicago's LGBTQ+ music organization, to contribute a lovely prelude.

A NEW BRAIN is a musical whose story was inspired by events in choreographer William Finn’s life. It follows Gordon Schwinn (Dakotta Hagar), a songwriter who collapses suddenly and learns he must undergo brain surgery. Gordon is well attended by nurses Nancy (Britain Shutters) and Richard (Cordaro Johnson), Dr. Berensteiner (Elijah Warfield), and his bestie Rhoda (Caitlin Preuss). His mom, (Michelle McKenzie-Voight) is (naturally) in attendance, but her less-than-therapeutic attitude is made clear in Mother’s Gonna Make Things Fine. Even more abrasive is Gordon’s boss Mr. Bungee (Taylor Bailey), whose demands that Gordon finish writing a song are not conducive to the tranquility prescribed for pre-operative repose. The Minister (Jonas Davidow) is indifferent to Gordon’s being Jewish and simply continues forking out his conventional devotions. Meantime, Gordon’s boyfriend Roger (Beck Hokanson) would rather be Sailing.

And oh yes, for reasons not readily apparent to me, we’re introduced to another major character, one of my favorites: the homeless lady Lisa (Lena Simone).  

I think that’s everyone. Big cast, yeah? And even bigger Production staff, so I’ll just mention the highlights. Jay Espano is Director and Robert Ollis Music Director. Choreographer Britta Schlicht did amazing work, as everyone spent a good deal of their onstage time dancing, and Shawn Quinlan’s costumes were terrific. Gordon’s standard hospital gown was balanced by Mr. Bungee’s brilliant multichromatic garb.  Think about it: how would you dress a six-foot, 250-pound frog? The obvious answer: a gaudy bodysuit striped with every color imaginable.

The first half of A NEW BRAIN provided a clue as to why the theatre was so chilly – the actors were continually running, hopping, and generally cavorting about. A climate comfortable for the audience would have steamed the cast like a pan of broccoli; I just wish I’d brought a jacket!  

A NEW BRAIN is a musical, and all dialogue is sung rather than spoken. I was particularly tickled by Gordo’s Law of Genetics and Poor, Unsuccessful and Fat. The story got more serious with M.R.I. Day and Craniotomy. This was somewhat disorienting, as the production had hitherto been lighthearted comedy, which I believe was its natural métier; it was difficult converting to the gloominess of Brain Dead and A Really Lousy Day in the Universe.  

The high point of the latter half was Lena Simone as the homeless lady. Her signature song, Change, was a brilliant showcase for her marvelous voice. Which is not to dispute the musical caliber of the rest of the cast! One of the things I treasure about these small storefront theaters is how effectively they display Chicago’s extraordinary wealth of theatrical talent. At the major stages of the downtown Theater District – the Goodman or the Nederlander – one  anticipates distinction, but the splendid acting one encounters in the more humble venues is truly remarkable. We are very fortunate here in the Second City!

Incidentally, I feel called to point out (particularly in this context) that “Second City” does not refer to Chicago’s theatrical offerings as ‘second to’ those of New York. Rather, the appellation refers to the ‘second city’ that materialized from the ruins left after the Great Fire of 1871 levelled roughly a third of the city. A fortunate corollary is that the postfire rebuilding opportunities attracted a host of great architects— Louis Sullivan, Dankmar Adler, William Holabird, Daniel H. Burnham, John Wellborn Root, William Le Baron Jenney – whose work still defines the architecture of our lovely Second City.

End of historical circumbendibus – back to A NEW BRAIN.

The entire production, from the masterly actors, accomplished direction, first-rate music … wait a minute, I haven’t even mentioned the band! The A NEW BRAIN band was conducted by Robert Ollis, with Justus Wright on Synthesizer, Eric Grunkemeyer on French Horn, Adam Nigh on Reeds, and Percussion by Benjamin Heppner.

As I was saying (before I so rudely interrupted myself), though the play itself was not, IMHO, worthy of the creator of Into the Woods, the production was top-notch and totally worthy of the occasion. This is high praise indeed from me, as I’m not particularly fond of either musicals or comedies. I chose this show largely to support PrideArts in its splendid new home, and I hope you’ll do the same!

Recommended

*This review is also featured on https://www.theatreinchicago.com/!