**** Those of you who have been reading my reviews for over 20 years, know of my love affair with the cabaret theatre in Chicago ( now Evanston) known as Theo Ubique. What started as a small storefront ( with some food and liquor service) in Rogers Park has blossomed into a beautiful center on the border of Chicago and Evanston and while they have dropped the food part of the program, they do have a fully stocked bar and a “tender” who knows his stuff! They do offer snacks from local area dining spots.
Over the years, this theater has done major productions, in a smaller “Cabaret” type version, and has thrilled audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Doing major shows like”Evita”, “Cats”, “Man of La Mancha” and yes, a powerful “Aspects of Love” is just a sampling. In this tiny venue, they have brought us big musicals as well as small intimate ones and of late have done a few specialty productions that are closer to an intimate evening of one on one with a performer.
Their current show might be considered more of a Cabaret evening. A show that is roughly 90 minutes in length with one performer, telling her story. The show is called “Tell Me On A Sunday” and was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber ( you recognize that one, don’t you?) and lyrics by Don Black, who has written many songs including the lyrics from “Mrs. Henderson Presents”. This work is not often done, primarily because it is a sort of one-act musical piece, perhaps even a chamber piece, telling of a woman’s ( Emma) beautiful, yet raw look as love, heartbreak and finding her inner power from within during these ups and downs of her life and its struggles.
The role of Emma is handled to perfection by Dani Pike ( This is her Theo debut, but I have seen her at Oil Lamp, Music Theatre Works and Citadel and her abilities just keep getting stronger. This work is directed by Keely Vasquez, who we have witnessed on the Theo stage before and as her first directorial assignment was surely up to the task.. They have revamped the layout for this show, making it truly more of a cabaret piece. They have built a multi tier stage with tables on two sides and seating facing the stage with the musicians behind the audience members. Evelyn Ryan is the music director and conductor with Sophie Creutz on reeds, Eileen Doan on guitar, Kara Olander on Bass and last but certainly far from least Maddi Vogel on the drums.
In addition to the creativity of Ms Vasquez, Jenna Schoppe handled the choreography. Eleanor Kahn’s set is simple, yet effective as the focus on our leading lady is truly where our eyes should be. Ellie Fey’s lighting is quite effective and never becomes a problem for the audience looking towards the stage ( as can happen in arena type theater). Marquecia Jordan’s costumes are nicely done and allow for some very quick changes as this is a one person show with very little down time. The props are handled by Ab Rieve and the sound by Matthew R. Chase.
The music in this show is part of the story telling experience. Emma has come to the United States from England. She ends up in New York City, and then to Hollywood, but all roads eventually lead back to New York. The show is roughly 45 years old. Her life takes a dip when she finds her boyfriend has taken on lovers, then meets Sheldon who brings her to California, but finds that he is not really in love with her, so she heads back to New York. Part of her search is also about the elusive “green card” so that she can remain here. The story, while very sad, in many ways, is a sort of “coming of age” story as Emma learns more about who she is and finds out what it is she truly wants. While most of the music is not recognizable, there is one number, “Unexpected Song” that will seem as if you heard it before. Sarah Brightman has done is ( from “Song and Dance”) and so has Bernadette Peters, but not in this play.
“Tell Me On A Sunday” will continue at Theo Ubique thru April 20th with performances as follows:
Thursdays 7:30 p.m.
Fridays 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays 7:30 p.m.
Sundays 6:00 p.m.
Theo is located at 721 Howard Street Evanston- parking is available on Howard Street. meters ( pay attention as they are different on the two sides of the street)
To order tickets 773-939-4101
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Tell Me On A Sunday”.
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