Displaying items by tag: Lexi Alioto
'[Title of the Show]' Is a Hilarious Musical About Writing a Musical In A Hurry
![Lexi Alioto (left), Casey Coppess, Shannon McEldowney, and Jonah Cochin in "[title of the show]" at PrideArts Theatre through September 22, 2024.](/media/k2/items/cache/bddddad8eeb01fc98a40503c7ca4463f_Generic.jpg)
I think I’d better begin by answering some questions, starting with ‘WTF is the title of this show?’ to which I respond, the title actually is "[title of show]."
The play was conceived by a pair of artists in NYC, Jeff Bowen (Jonah Cochin) and Hunter Bell (Casey Coppess). Upon learning of the upcoming New York Musical Theatre Festival, they decide to write and submit a musical. There’s just a few problems with doing that: (1) the Festival is only three weeks away, and (2) they’re determined to write an original rather than an adaptation, but (3) they have no idea what to write about, or even (4) what to name their musical. Coming right down to the wire without a name, they end up using the space on the application form asking for [Title of Show] and name their musical [title of show].
Early attempts clearly illustrate that Hunter and Jeff truly do not have any idea what their musical should be about … not until they realize that their conversations about what to write are more interesting than what they’re actually writing! And thus it happens that these Two Nobodies from New York write a musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical.
Shannon McEldowney (left), Jonah Cochin, Robert Ollis (at keyboard), Lexi Alioto, and Casey Coppess .
Jeff and Hunter ask their friends Susan (Lexi Alioto) and Heidi (Shannon McEldowney) to help, as well as Larry (Robert Ollis) to man the keyboard. The four converse and natter and brainstorm, kibitz, palaver and schmooze via a slew of hysterically funny songs, discussing the complexities of receiving money for art (is it success or selling out?) and the problems of loyalties vs. practicalities, learning unexpected lessons about themselves along the way.
I think you could call this a QueerMoot. Actually I don’t know if you could or not but I just did, so it’s done.
If you have any friends of the theatrical persuasion, you will find them depicted in [title of show] by Jeff, Hunter, Susan and/or Heidi; not surprising, as all four characters are (were?) (have been?) real people. I don’t know about Larry … we don’t get to learn much about Larry, who the Union prohibits from speaking any lines. But he sure knows his way around the eighty-eights!
The choreography by Britta Lynn Schlicht was lively and fresh, and wonderfully executed by the cast. It did, however, occasionally hinder hearing. I was ready to blame that on my rock-concert-impaired old ears, until my younger companion admitted having the same problem, from Casey Coppess in particular. I couldn’t tell if this was a problem with miking or with blocking, but I suggest both Director Jay Espano and Sound Designer Valerio Torretta Gardner take a look at this issue.
Props Designer Izadorius Tortuga and Scenic Designer Anshika Pathak wisely used restraint, keeping the set minimalist and letting the play tell the story. I have to give a shoutout for Aidan Lynn Smith, whose Lighting Design skillfully delimited separate scenes; and even louder shout to Projections Designer Joel Zishuk. His projections created an informative background for many scenes, but the piece de resistance was a kaleidoscopic panorama of the Playbill covers from a bazillion musicals!
The entire production crew was ably supported by Michael Lasswell (Technical Director / Scenic Design Consultant / My Favorite Bio Writer), Assistant Music Director Annie Liu, and Assistant Director Taylor Pasche. I once asked a theatrical friend ‘just what does a Stage Manager do, anyway?’, to which they responded ‘Everything.’ Kate Schnetzer assisted Julia Witty in doing Everything, and well.
[title of show] is running at PrideArts Theater at 4139 N Broadway, Chicago, through September 22 and comes recommended.
The Babes with Blades are a DREAM! A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
30 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI’ve delighted in Babes with Blades since they began in 1997, and they are never more delightful than when slashing…
Chicago Tap Allstars' Holiday Performance WINTER WONDERLAND Returns for One Performance Only - Saturday, Dec. 14
30 October 2024 in Upcoming DanceChicago Tap Allstars, a collective of Tap dance artists and organizations brought together by M.A.D.D. Rhythms and Chicago Tap Theatre, is proud to…
Steppenwolf Theatre's LEROY AND LUCY - October 24 – December 15, 2024 - World Premiere!
30 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to continue its 49th season with the world premiere of Ngozi…
'Into the Woods' an Exciting Musical Fairytale Mashup at Chopin Theater
29 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI’ll admit it: I knew little about “Into the Woods” before seeing the new production at Chicago’s Chopin Theatre. I’m…
Botanical Bedlam: Music Theatre Works' Little Shop of Horrors Thrills with Campy Delight!
29 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewMusic Theatre Works’ Little Shop of Horrors, featuring music by Howard Ashman and a book and lyrics by Alan Menken,…
IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Fall Concert “Embrace”
28 October 2024 in Upcoming DanceIDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Fall Concert “Embrace” World Premiere in Chicago for Two Performances Location: Ann Barzel Theater Visceral Dance Center,…
American Blues Theater to produce 23rd Annual It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
28 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreAmerican Blues Theater announces its 23rd Annual Production of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from Frank Capra's film and directed by Executive Artistic…
CHICAGO TAP THEATRE PROUDLY ANNOUNCES ITS 2024-2025 SEASON
28 October 2024 in Upcoming DanceChicago Tap Theatre (CTT) has recently returned from a successful European Tour and is pleased to announce its 2024-2025 season and…
Pericles: Royal Shakespeare Company refreshes an obscure tale at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
27 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThey do abuse the king that flatter him For flattery is the bellows that blows up sin These days, fireplace…
Teatro ZinZanni Presents: The LiV Warfield Xperience For One Night Only - Nov. 18
25 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreTeatro ZinZanni, Chicago's wildly entertaining cabaret and cirque show, will open up their vintage circus tent, the Spiegeltent, to present The LiV…
Matinee added on December 9 for CHRISTMAS WITH THE KING: BRANDON BENNETT SINGS ELVIS PRESLEY
24 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreMarriott Theatre has added a second matinee performance of the concert CHRISTMAS WITH THE KING: BRANDON BENNETT SINGS ELVIS PRESLEY…
Some Like It Hot sizzles at Cadillac Palace Theatre
24 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewIn the midst of the bustle and busyness of several stunning song-and-dance routines in Some Like It Hot, beautifully directed…
Lifeline Theatre presents 28th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival two-week festival of storytelling performances November 8 - November 17, 2024
23 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreLifeline Theatre presents the 28th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival, a vibrant celebration of Chicago's premiere storytelling and live lit scene. The…
Puppet shows for private audiences in living room settings: Chicago Puppet Fest's Fall Living Room Tour returns November 14-16
23 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is pulling strings to raise funds this fall, offering three exclusive sneak peeks of…
Review: Remy Bumppo's 'Dear Elizabeth' at Theater Wit
23 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewWhat a treat to have two of Evanston-native Sarah Ruhl’s plays running concurrently at Theatre Wit. Alongside the Shattered Globe…
Deliciously wicked: Evil Perfect at Bramble Theatre Company tells a familiar story in a perfectly wicked way
23 October 2024 in Theatre ReviewsAfter completing my hundredth fan fiction about the same two characters defying all obstacles and falling in love, I took…
Live immersive horror experience based on INSIDIOUS coming to Chicago
22 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBrace yourself for the scare of a lifetime, as the world of Insidious jumps off the screen and directly into your theater…
Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' at Brightside Theatre is the ultimate Halloween treat with just the right amount of bite!
21 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewBrightside Theatre’s rendition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, adapted by Stephen Dietz, captivates from the opening scene to its climactic finale.…
Dante’s ‘Commedia Divina,’ Retooled by Conspirators, Delivers Epic Laughs at Otherworld Theatre
20 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThe early closing of the Conspirators’ 2023 production of “Commedia Divina,” proved useful, giving this …erm … highly original company…
Mandy Patinkin & Kathryn Grody Bring Afternoon of Entertaining Conversation to the MAC Nov. 10
18 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe McAninch Arts Center (MAC) welcomes back Mandy Patinkin. This time he will be joined by his wife for "A…
Royko: The Toughest Man in Chicago to return to The Chopin in November
18 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreToughest Man Productions, Executive Producer Lecy Goranson and producing consultant Beth Kligerman announce a return engagement for the world premiere…
Review: Joffrey Ballet's US Premiere of Cathy Marston's 'Atonement' at Civic Opera House
18 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewWhat source materials make a great ballet? Can everything be interpreted through dance? It’s a fair question when considering Joffrey…
Hell in a Handbag Productions Announces 2024/25 Season
17 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreHell in a Handbag Productions is thrilled to announce its 2024/25 Season, featuring a fan favorite and two world premieres. Now in…
Casting announced for ANNIE at Chicago Theatre Nov. 12-Dec 1
16 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreMadison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment), Carolyn Rossi Copeland Productions, Inc. and Crossroads Live North America today announced casting…
Handbag's 'The Golden Girls Meet The Skooby Don’t Gang: The Mystery of The Haunted Bush' a hilarious adventure not to be missed!
15 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI look forward to every Hell and a Handbag production - because I know they’re always a great time. The…
Embracing Vulnerability: Goodman’s Heartfelt 'Primary Trust' Highlights the Power of Not Being Okay
15 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewEboni Booth’s 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Primary Trust is a deeply introspective and bittersweet exploration of abandonment, routine, and the…
Love Me, Love Me: The Love Object brings back the drama of bubblegum pop at Raven Theatre
14 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThe Y2K era was a wild time to be a girl. Bubblegum pop juxtaposed against futuristic silver-scaled sets, female artists…
Try To See It Their Way: Milo Imagines The World at Chicago Children's Theatre
13 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewHave you ever jumped on a crowded L train and wondered just why there were so many people on it?…
THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER On Sale
12 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe Hip Hop Nutcracker returns to Broadway In Chicago, playing at the CIBC Theatre from December 10 to December 15, 2024.…
TUTA Theatre to stage Thornton Wilder's THE LONG CHRISTMAS DINNER November 26 - December 29
12 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreTUTA Theatre has announced it will stage the infrequently produced Thornton Wilder drama THE LONG CHRISTMAS DINNER for the 2024…
Latest Articles
-
The Babes with Blades are a DREAM! A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Written by Sarz MaxwellI’ve delighted in Babes with Blades since they began in 1997, and they are never more delightful than when slashing and sauntering their gender-flouting way through Shakespeare. Apt, that: MAGA really should condemn all the Bard’s works as rooted in… -
Botanical Bedlam: Music Theatre Works' Little Shop of Horrors Thrills with Campy Delight!
Written by Kimberly KatzMusic Theatre Works’ Little Shop of Horrors, featuring music by Howard Ashman and a book and lyrics by Alan Menken, is the ultimate Halloween and fall musical for cult hit fans. This spooky, yet fun production captures the essence of… -
Chicago Tap Allstars' Holiday Performance WINTER WONDERLAND Returns for One Performance Only - Saturday, Dec. 14
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Tap Allstars, a collective of Tap dance artists and organizations brought together by M.A.D.D. Rhythms and Chicago Tap Theatre, is proud to announce the return of “Winter Wonderland,” Saturday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S.… -
Steppenwolf Theatre's LEROY AND LUCY - October 24 – December 15, 2024 - World Premiere!
Written by Buzz Center StageSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to continue its 49th season with the world premiere of Ngozi Anyanwu's Leroy and Lucy, a bluesy and seductive play with music, directed by Awoye Timpo, playing October 24 – December 15, 2024 in Steppenwolf's…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.