Displaying items by tag: Sharriese Hamilton

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.

Throughout the years, we have seen all kinds of homages to Elvis Presley whether it be Elvis impersonators, biographical films, Elvis night at U.S. Cellular Field and, of course, theatrical productions. Of these few tribute samples, some are serious and sensitive while others more tongue-in-cheek. “All Shook Up”, a musical using the music of Elvis, is definitely the latter. Now playing at Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana, “All Shook Up” is a story about an Elvis-alike roustabout who comes across a square town where the tightly-wound mayor has unjustly imparted laws against innocent activities such as kissing in public and dancing or the interracial mixing of partners. Though the plot line is as silly as it gets with unlikely, but still predictable love stories breaking out everywhere, it is hard not to be entertained by the music alone.

David Sajewich plays our hero Chad, the leather jacket clad bad-boy drifter with greased back hair who hops from town to town via his motorcycle with the purpose of challenging authority by infusing fun and excitement into boring and restricted communities. Sajewich is very funny in the role, ever so naturally delivering spot on physical comedy and one hilarious line after another. He also sings several Elvis classics with a good deal of enthusiasm, his vocals finding suitable range for each number despite not having the most powerful of voice. In the show’s opening number, “Jailhouse Rock” we quickly realize Sajewich will not be attempting to sound like Elvis Presley opting to use his own singing voice (writer or director’s choice?), leaving a small amount of disappointment for those who had hoped the story’s character so obviously designed around Elvis would kind of sound like him, if even in a comical way.

Like Abba’s music in Mamma Mia! or Green Day’s in American Idiot, the music of Elvis Presley is transformed into massive stage numbers with changing leads, large choruses and big time dance choreography. It was also refreshing to see such an obscure choice of Elvis Presley songs used for this production rather than only the obvious choices. “All Shook Up” included favorites like “Don’t Be Cruel”, “Love Me Tender”, Can’t Help Falling in Love”, "A Little Less Conversation” and “It’s Now or Never” but also added lesser known songs (at least outside the Elvis world) such as “Follow that Dream”, “C’mon Everybody”, “Devil in Disguise” and a heartfelt rendition of “If I Can Dream”.

Outside of the campy over-the-top story that is on the borderline of ridiculousness, despite its borrowed storylines from Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night," "As You Like It" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream", “All Shook Up” includes several likeable characters that are fun to watch and listen to, especially Bethany Thomas (Sylvia) with her gutsy and very impressive singing voice. Callie Johnson also shows off her comic and singing ability as tomboy motorcycle mechanic Natalie Hallow who is crushing hard on Chad while Justin Brill as the geeky, love stricken Dennis is also enjoyable to watch. Matthias Austin gets some of the biggest laughs as Natalie’s square turned rocker father Jim, as deserved, but Sharriese Hamilton (Lorraine) might just have the best comic timing of the bunch.

Cheesy story and all, “All Shook Up” is a very entertaining show with great music, charm and lots of very funny moments. It’s always nice to see the music of Elvis passed on to new generations and this show is a perfect tool for doing so, as it is a production suitable for all ages alike.    

The rock n’ roll hit Broadway musical “All Shook Up” is being performed at Theatre at the Center through August 16^th Wednesdays through Sundays, including weekend matinees. For tickets and/or more show information, visit www.theatreatthecenter.com.