***** Do you have “Sirius radio”? If you do, and you tune in to the Broadway station, then you are familiar with Seth Rudetsky, a very talented Broadway star who also knows a lot about anything Broadway. Besides being a radio host and doing shows himself on Broadway, Seth takes to the road and visits other theater towns. When doing so, he brings another ( or other) performer, and puts on a show!
Tonight, it was Jessie Mueller, of Evanston. The 90 minute show features the two of them and a grand piano. They began the show with Jessie doing “Beautiful” and then we went through the story of Jessie Mueller of the Von Mueller family of Evanston. I like to kid about them being like the Von Trapp Singers, but this family has far more talent. They sing, they act, they play musical instruments and in fact, do it all!
Mueller talked about her grade school days and then entering E.T.H.S. ( Evanston Township High School) and getting into theater. Her parents are actors as are her siblings, thus my statement above. Rudetsky is a top notch interviewer and truly a solid piano player and singer. He is Mr. Broadway. His interviewing techniques are a bit different, but he gets the job done. As we went through a history of Jessie’s theater from “Once Upon A Mattress” to “Guys & Dolls”, where she did “Adelaide’s Lament” and a duet “Sue Me” with Rudetsky taking the Nathan Detroit part as well as playing the piano. We also heard her New York move stories and learned about her Award Winning “Beautiful”.
On top of the music, we also were fortunate to learn about her fascination with the Grand Prize Game from Bozo’s Circus. Evidently, as a youth her Grandmother brought out the game every birthday. Last week when Jessie and Seth were making the “rounds” ( if you recall, I spoke with her and offered to bring her a coffee mug tonight- I also brought one for Seth). Dean Richards spoke about Bozo Circus and evidently sent a home game version, which they brought out and played with an audience member.
It is near Jessie’s birthday, so the audience sang to her and I can tell you that tonight’s experience is one that will be remembered for years to come. I think now that Rudetsky has felt the love Chicago audiences give, he will find ways to continue to bring these shows into town. The Studebaker is perfect for the size and sound as well as great comfort.
The production company is local so I can imagine Chicago will have more specialty shows. www.gustavoernestine.com for more info on them.
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