Here's the latest on our current roadshow adventure: at the Viaduct Theater in Chicago, the first reviews are in, and the Good People With Broad Shoulders seem to be digging it!
Dan Jakes writes in The Chicago Reader:
"Soulful and gimmick-free, this spirited show breathes
new life into 32 songs by folk legend John Prine. Set
against a simple red curtain, with some beer bottles
and tables onstage for atmosphere, this is a
no-narration concert. Director Bryan Fonseca allows
Prine's songs to speak for themselves by backing them
with only minimal staging and subtle ensemble
characterization. His efforts highlight the music's
inherent theatricality and heighten the full-bodied
arrangements by music director Tim Brickley. The
cast is vocally and generationally diverse, shedding
new light on classics like the cheeky reefer anthem
"Illegal Smile" and the heartbreaking Vietnam vet
ballad "Sam Stone." Whether you know the words
or not, an hour in, you may feel like singing along.."
In the Chicago Sun-Times theater listings, staff writer
Mary Houlihan gives us a coveted "highly recommended"
after the production's listing/summation. A portend
of a review to come? Hmmm.....
Read "Highly Recommended" from the "Sun-Times".
In the Chicago Metromix, reader/reviewer/ audience member"TL5Emeritus" writes on January 16, 2011 at 10:50 PM:
"My sweetie and I attended the Sunday matinee
performance of this tribute to John Prine. We were
touched by the great music and we found new
appreciation for his song-writing artistry.
The performers were excellent musicians and
brought John's music to life with subtle vignettes
worked into their performances. It was our first
visit to the Viaduct and we both love the cozy/casual ambience of the place. We both heartily endorse the show and the venue."
And our intrepid co-producer, the inspiring Scott Vehill of Chicago's Prop Thtr (yes, that's how they spell it!?!?) has appeared the last two Sundays on "The Sunday Paper's With Rich Kogan" on WGN Radio AM-720. The first appearance, on Jan 9, is a great introduction to Scott, The Prop, and "Prine: A Tribute Concert". Kogan's a fabulous radio personality and I could listen to Scott talk all day......
This past Sunday's segment was primarily on the "Fringe Fest"-like RHINOFEST theatre festival currently running at both stages at the Prop - but it has a great beginning bit about the "Prine" opening weekend:
We'll keep you posted on further developments. In the meantime Fridays, 5PM and 7:30PM on Saturdays (note: no shows on Sat. Jan. 29, though) and Sundays at 3PM....
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