“Skates : A New Musical”

[rating=2] It has been 2 years since we were supposed to get the world premiere of  “Skates: A New Musical” in Chicago. A great deal has taken place in what we refer to as “the Covid era”. The Royal George Theater on Halsted, where it was supposed to premiere is no longer a theater building but instead,  The Studebaker Theater having been recently restored by Berger Realty Group. I will say that they have done a brilliant job in bringing this venue back. For those unfamiliar with the Studebaker, it is in The Fine Arts Building at 410  South Michigan Avenue. It is an intimate space which works well with doing a piece that has a cast of ten performers.

The story itself, written by Christine Rea ( Book and lyrics) with music and additional lyrics by Rick Briskin is a sort of “coming of age” story. It seems are more plentiful than ever. In this story, our heroine is Jaqueline Miller ( played by American Idol favorite Diana DeGarmo) who is a rock star, The year is 1994. Jacqueline begins the story by doing a national tour, her recent recording has just hit number one and thus she is riding high. But while this is all good, her love life is not what she had hoped for. Blake ( Ace Young) her boyfriend, is not the man she had hoped for. Certainly not true to her.

While all this is taking place, the roller rink that she loved as a kid, back on the south side of Chicago has a new owner and is in need of financial help. Her teen memories are powerful and so she agrees to go back home and do a benefit gala for its re-opening.  Windy City Skates and coming back to Chicago will change her life, not just for her career, but for life itself.

When she gets home, her memories of the past start to come clear to her and as she meets her 12 year old self ( played to perfection by Emma Lord). While there is no resemblance between the two actresses, they both have powerful voices and I found Ms Lord to be one terrific performer. Jackie ( her younger self) has a brother Brad ( Zach Sorrow who also as an ensemble member takes on many other roles), who later in life becomes her manager. We also meet her parents, Hank (Jason Richards is a powerhouse) and Rebecca ( Cory Goodrich). They are both much better than the script allows and when they sing together it is magical.

Speaking of the songs, there are many that are easy listening, but not catchy enough to be humming on one’s way out of the theater. I did like “Lovin’ The Life”, the opener, “Let’s Go”, “I’m Crushin’ On You”, “Forward Motion” and “You Say You’re Sorry”. The musicians who are on stage, but above the stage where the action takes place is composed of 6 musicians including conductor Kory Danielson.  Daniel A. Weiss was the musical director, Christopher Chase Carter did the choreography and the ensemble was directed by Brenda Didier. The program doesn’t show the set designer’s name, but the set was very cool as were the skates ( that are not really skates) for the skating rink scenes. To be honest, the skates might be the highlight of the show for many.

While this show has a central character, or perhaps you might say, two, it is truly an ensemble piece. There are many characters and the 8 actors that are not Jacqueline/Jackie play them all. Adia Bell is tough as Tanya who ends up purchasing the skating rink. Meghan who is young Jackie’s bestie is plyed with great comic touches by Kelly Felthouse. Adam Fane, who is becoming much more than a chorus/ensemble member of late is dynamite as Jackie’s  romantic interest Scotty Watkins and is terrific in his duet of “I’m Crushin’ On You”. Last, but far from least is the amazing Kelvin Roson Junior as  Jack, Danny, The Mayor, and many others. By the way, he makes those shoes that are not skates, seem like they might be real!

These folks work hard and the costume people and wig handlers that help them make the quick changes are extraordinary. The costumes ( Lindsay McWilliams) and hair/wigs were definitely 1977. Ray Nardelli handled the sound design and the lighting was designed by Connor Sale and Chris Merriman.

There are many who feel that your past and your future may intersect in the future. I have always believed that if it is meant to be, then, it is meant to be. We cannot alter and change history or its path. I am pretty sure that almost all of us have a period in life where we question some of the choices we made along the way and wonder “what if?’. I truly feel that this is what Ms Rea was feeling when she put pen to paper. I for one, consider this a “work in progress” and since Covid slowed down that progression of learning, they will now make changes along the way. I wish them the best and hope they find exactly what they are looking for…soon!

Tickets for “Skates: A New Musical” are available by calling 312-753-3210 or online at www.SkatesTheMusical.com

of at www.fineartsbuilding.com/events/skates

Performances are as follows:

Tuesdays  7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays  1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sundays 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $65

VIP package at $99 gets you a swag bag and a signed poster ( by the cast).

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Skates: A New Musical