Displaying items by tag: Watson Swift
A Sensational Powerhouse Show in Gift Theatre’s ‘Rise and Fall of Little Voice’
With a powerful script by Jim Cartwright and knockout performances by every cast member, Filament Theatre’s “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’” is a must-see. Set in the 1960s at a seaside village in northern England, this play about a young woman, LV (Emjoy Gavino), sequestered upstairs in her tidy bedroom, listening to her late father’s voluminous LP vinyl collection of popular chanteuses of the era that were his favorites of his—Edith Piaf, Shirley Bassey, Judy Garland and others.
Downstairs her mother, Marti Hoff (Alexandra Main), a raging alcoholic, usually wearing last night’s heavy makeup and jewelry, flails through the chaotic mess, screaming up the stairs for LV to turn it down, then collapsing on the cluttered couch. The dilapidated domicile features sketchy electrical, which frequently shorts out in showers of sparks. Yet when the power goes down, the music continues and we are treated to a revelation: LV can perfectly mimic the divas she has listened to for hours. And let me say you will be blown away by Emjoy Gavino’s singing.
Central to the achievement, or any performance of this script, is the musical capabilities of LV. How there can be found actors like Gavino who can act, and mimic perfectly a range of divas—her Billy Holiday is unbelievably convincing—well this is the magical mystery of theater and what separates us spectators from those conjuring the spectacle on the other side of the footlights. (Vocal consultant is Jessie Oliver.)
(from left) Ben Veatch, Alexandra Main. Watson Swift, Julia Rowley and Emjoy Gavino
Directed impeccably by Devon de Mayo and Peter G. Anderson, Gift Theatre has mined “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice” for all its dramatic worth. Largely a story of unresolved grief, and how in this case that grief is addressed, is the core of the play. It's a bit like a mash-up of "Glass Menagerie" and :Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf." As Marti Hoff, Main launches into Cartwright’s soliloquies for a very unhappy person, making them soar compellingly, and in convincing Northern British dialect. (Kudos to Dialect Coach Adam Goldstein.) As the villain of this drama, Main’s performance as Hoff earns our sympathy even as we despise her behavior.
(from left) Emjoy Gavino and Martel Manning
LV’s escape from this toxic environment comes through the offices of telephone installer Billy (Martel Manning), a suitor whose bashful advances are a perfect match for the reticent LV (it stands for Little Voice). Manning’s performance is nuanced and compelling.
Emjoy Gavino in Gift Theatre's 'The Rise and Fall of Little Voice' at Filament Theatre
Two larger-than-life characters also figure large in the action: the stage promoter Ray Say (Ben Veath) and the impresario Mr. Boo (Watson Swift), who each turn in outstanding performances. These two engineer a public performance by LV at a local club, and it's a smash—but it causes LV to crash emotionally.
We mustn’t overlook Sadie May (Julia Rowley), Marti Hoff's silently slavish drinking and dancing buddy. Rowley captures the essence of a character living vicariously through another.
From set design (Hannah Clark), costumes (kClare McKelaston) props (Lily Anna Berman), this production of “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice” will bring you on your feet cheering. Running through October 15 at Filament Theatre, 4101 N. Milwaukee in Chicago, it comes highly recommended. Reach the box office here.
Emile Zola Adaptation 'Nana' Is a Triumph at Magical Trap Door Theater
15 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewFor the final show of its 30th anniversary season, Trap Door Theatre—the little company that could—has selected a sure-fire hit…
Chicago Writers' Bloc Announces 2024 New Play Festival May 5 - 19 at Theater Wit
15 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewChicago Writers' Bloc has announced the lineup of plays and musicals for its biennial festival of new plays, to be…
Hershey Felder Brilliant as Monsieur Chopin
14 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewIf you appreciate classical music and captivating stories about brilliant artists from the past, Hershey Felder’s one-man show, Monsieur Chopin:…
Jackalope Theatre Announces Cast and Creative Team for the World Premiere of THE SINGULARITY PLAY, May 19 - June 22
11 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreJackalope Theatre Company continues its 16th season at Edgewater’s Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd., with the announcement of the cast…
Spanish Language Magic Shows at Rhapsody Theater to celebrate Cinco de Mayo
11 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBorn and raised in Mexico City, Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz, MD, Chicago’s own Physician Magician, will celebrate the festive Cinco de Mayo holiday weekend by…
Court Theatre’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead Features Fabulous Ensemble with Striking Design
09 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThe Player (Lorenze Rush Jr) has just run into Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with his troupe of players. As he explains…
'COCK' is f***king amazing!
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Enchanting Feats: A glowing review of ‘Look Closer with Joshua Jay’
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Welcome to The Jungle: The Choir of Man Rocks Chicago
06 April 2024 in Theatre ReviewsSometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name. Sometimes you want to be surrounded by people to experience the…
About Face Theatre announces casting for Midwest Premiere of Lavender Men
04 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreAbout Face Theatre announces casting for the Midwest Premiere production of Lavender Men by Roger Q. Mason, directed by Lucky Stiff, running May 9 -June 8,…
CUT TO THE CHASE festival of one-act plays returns May 2-5 with theme "Face-to-Face" at The Den Theatre
04 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe Artistic Home Studio will present the 2024 edition of its CUT TO THE CHASE festival of new one act…
Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents the World Premiere of POOR PEOPLE! The Parody Musical
02 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreHell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to continue its 22nd season with the world premiere of POOR PEOPLE! The Parody Musical, an…
'American Fiction' Oscar Boosts Percival Everett's Latest Work, 'James,' at 'Authors on Tap'
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The Physical Theater Festival Chicago Returns July 13 - 21 with its 11th Annual Edition
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Review: Jersey Boys at Mercury Theatre
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Take Flight and Feel the Magic with ‘Peter Pan: The Hit Broadway Musical'
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Casting for Lifeline Theatre’s production of “Native Son” adapted by Chicagoan Nambi E. Kelley, May 10 - June 30
28 March 2024 in Upcoming TheatreLifeline Theatre and Artistic Director ILesa Duncan announce the casting for Chicagoan Nambi E. Kelley's "gutsy, powerful, and relentless" adaptation of Richard Wright's powerful introspection…
A.B.L.E. presents "The Odyssey" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on May 11
27 March 2024 in Upcoming TheatreA.B.L.E.—Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations—a Chicago-based nonprofit that creates theatre and film for, with, and by individuals with Down syndrome…
Review: Remy Bumppo Theatre Company's "Love Song' at Theater Wit
26 March 2024 in Theatre in ReviewWhen a play’s opening moment is mystifying and its closing moment is satisfying, the stuff in between must be doing…
“Navigating Family, Truth, and Legacy: A Must-See Journey in ‘Purpose’”
26 March 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThe expansive, opulent home exudes an air of solid middle-class comfort, boasting a formal dining area, an upright piano, and…
Eddie Izzard performs Shakespeare’s "Hamlet" in limited engagement, April 19–May 4
26 March 2024 in Theatre in ReviewChicago Shakespeare Theater announces today a thrilling addition to the season: Tony Award-nominated actor Eddie Izzard brings her celebrated solo theatrical performance of Hamlet to…
Identity Performing Arts presents spring concert “Muted”
26 March 2024 in Upcoming DanceIdentity's Spring concert offers a captivating performance with two dissimilar works in its dynamic. Join us for the premiere of choreographer…
Joffrey Ballet closes season with remount of crowd favorite, Alexander Ekman's "Midsummer Night's Dream"
25 March 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe Joffrey Ballet boldly closes its 2023-24 season with the return of Midsummer Night's Dream by internationally renowned Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman. Premiered by The…
Breaking Through The Winter Blues: Cirque du Soleil Crystal Sparkles at NOW Arena
23 March 2024 in Theatre ReviewsLike any good Chicago March, the city cannot make up its mind about what season it is in. This weekend…
Review: A Streetcar Named Desire at Copley Theatre
22 March 2024 in Theatre in ReviewIf there's one play every American should see in their lifetimes, without a doubt it's Tennessee Williams' perennial classic A…
Five Plays by Spanish Speaking Female Playwrights Selected for Series at Instituto Cervantes
20 March 2024 in Upcoming TheatreInstituto Cervantes of Chicago (31 W. Ohio St.), the city's primary non-profit center for Spanish language and cultural exchange, is pleased to present,…
Macbeth Gets Upended in ‘What the Weird Sisters Saw'
20 March 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI love all things Shakespeare, particularly modern iterations and adaptations of his works, and I’ve had good experiences with Idle…
ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN Is Now Playing
19 March 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is pleased to announce the smash-hit musical, ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN is now…
Casting Announced for Drury Lane Theatre's production of Guys and Dolls April 10 – June 9, 2024
18 March 2024 in Upcoming TheatreDrury Lane Theatre is thrilled to announce casting for its first show of the 2024/2025 season, Guys and Dolls, making its triumphant return to…
Writers Theatre announces 2024-2025 season
18 March 2024 in Upcoming TheatreArtistic Director Braden Abraham and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma announce Writers Theatre's 2024/25 season. The season launches with the Chicago premiere of the acclaimed musical Natasha,…
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Hershey Felder Brilliant as Monsieur Chopin
Written by Kimberly KatzIf you appreciate classical music and captivating stories about brilliant artists from the past, Hershey Felder’s one-man show, Monsieur Chopin: A Play with Music, is an absolute delight. Felder, an accomplished pianist and composer, has previously wowed audiences with his… -
Emile Zola Adaptation 'Nana' Is a Triumph at Magical Trap Door Theater
Written by Bill EslerFor the final show of its 30th anniversary season, Trap Door Theatre—the little company that could—has selected a sure-fire hit with a production of “Nana,” a play based on the 19th century melodrama about an actress and bordello courtesan, Nana,… -
Chicago Writers' Bloc Announces 2024 New Play Festival May 5 - 19 at Theater Wit
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Writers' Bloc has announced the lineup of plays and musicals for its biennial festival of new plays, to be held this year from May 5 to 19 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. The 2024 festival will… -
Jackalope Theatre Announces Cast and Creative Team for the World Premiere of THE SINGULARITY PLAY, May 19 - June 22
Written by Buzz Center StageJackalope Theatre Company continues its 16th season at Edgewater’s Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd., with the announcement of the cast and creative team for the world premiere of The Singularity Play, May 19 – June 22, by Jay Stull, directed by Georgette Verdin. Previews…
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