“Songs For A New World”

Highly Recommended **** Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre is back! I guess the question, during this crazy period, is how can this intimate space keep the patrons and performers apart? They did it by doing a smaller scale production ( only four performers) and having a little more space between tables and seating areas.

The show they chose is “Songs For A New World” a musical revue by Jason Robert Brown that takes us on a journey of emotions portrayed in many ways by the four very talented people. They are all faced with life-changing choices to be made and through the songs we see where and how they go.
Smoothly directed by Fred Anzevino, this not being an actual play, is a little tougher to do. Those who attend this theater on a regular basis know that it is very intimate and as it is set up, the four talents move about using all four walls and come as close to the masked audience members as allowed.
The stories are probably close to us in many ways. It may be our kids, our neighbors or even our own lives that are open to change due to what we have just experienced, making this a good choice for this intimate theater. I will say, that while I found the music wonderful, there are some people who may not be into Brow’s sound.

The four featured performers are Eustace J. Williams as MAN1, Matthew Hunter as MAN2, Nora Navarro as WOMAN 1 and Emily Goldberg as WOMAN 2. All four have powerful voices and terrific range.
In order to understand their stories, one must pay close attention. The music is a blend of Gospel, pop and jazz and all four of these singers handle their songs to perfection.
We, the audience are coming to America, landing in New York and then hearing the stories. One story is that of a young man dreaming of becoming a major player on a basketball team. We also see Mrs. Claus lamenting that soon her hubby will have no time for her needs ( only that of the children). In this number, I must warn you, Ms Goldberg will captivate you. If you look into her eyes, you will be mesmerized. They not only sparkle, they reel you in. I noticed this many years ago when I first saw her in a show. Her eyes are hypnotic!

Mr. Williams and Mr. Hunter are both solid performers who many may have seen in a Porchlight production and the lovely Ms Navarro will amaze you with her vocal range.
The choreography (Jamal Howard) is fairly simple. Again, this is not a big show, meaning there are no huge production numbers. The costumes ( Steph Taylor) were also fairly simple as this is more of a story-telling piece. All ran smooth as silk- something we have learned to expect at this wonderful theater.

As always, the music is handled by Jeremy Ramey, again, to perfection with Lior Shragg handling the percussion/drums.

The show is in two acts ( probably to allow for breathing time, after all, we are masked), each roughly 45 minutes, so roughly 105 minutes in total.

Theo Ubique offers a dinner menu as well. For this show, we enjoyed an appetizer ( I had the Beet Tartare and Jane, the Apple and Honey Goat Crostini.
The dinner was a salad with grilled chicken ( there is a veggie option) and for dessert, I opted for the key lime shooter and Jane the pumpkin cheesecake shooter. The dinner is a $29 option.

“Songs For A New World” will continue thru October 24th with performances as follows:
Thursdays 7:30 p.m.
Fridays 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays 7:30 p.m.
Sundays 7: p.m.

Tickets range from $42-$54

To order your tickets call773-939-4101 or visit www.theo-u.com
Dinner MUST be pre-ordered. There is a full bar and often they do have some ala carte items available. If having dinner, allow 60 minutes to make sure you have ample dining time.

The theatre is following the League of Chicago Theater Guidelines for Covid protection, so you will have to show your vaccination cards with phot ID at the door.
The theater is located at 721 West Howard Street ( on the Evanston side). There is metered parking on both sides, but read the box info for YOUR side.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Songs For A New World”.