“Bachelor: The Unauthorized Parody Musical”

Recommended *** I am very happy that The Apollo Theater on Lincoln Avenue is “open for business”. I always loved the venue and now it seems that they are going to be in use for some time to come. It looks like the “parody” concept is where they are going, and why not? If it brings the people out and they enjoy what they see, so be it! Now, about the current production, “Bachelor: The Unauthorized Parody Musical”.

First, I must explain that I m not one that was into “The Bachelor” ( or any of the reality type shows), so I spoke to a few followers to get some idea. This production is a spoof/parody of what people loved watching. FYI- the opening night audience was probably 90% females, most very young, who evidently are truly into the TV show. They yelled and applauded at times that felt like they were truly feeling that they were watching the real thing.

The show is about 90 minutes in length with no intermission. The cast is made up of two men, Jesse Palmer, the show host ( played to perfection by Jake Elkins, who truly has emcee down) and of course, our bachelor ( played by Christopher Wayland, who seemed uneasy at the start, but eased into the role as time went on. There are five women “semi-finalists” Four of them are named Lauren and the fifth is Jayshia. The book by Richelle Meiss ( who also wrote the lyrics for the songs) works hard at doing a parody of the show, but I doubt that the producers would ever allow that many contestants to have the same first name. BTW- they do make reference to the producers wanting certain things asked or done, which is something I have always felt the reality shows did- script parts and allow the chips to fall from the seeds that have been sown.

I will tell you that the songs are very cute, although a bit hokey. The “Two On One Tango” ( choreographer Sheena Laird did a great job on this one) is fun and the “Penis or Heart” number is hysterical ( costumes by Jessica Sheehan are a stitch). All of the women are talented and can sing and move well. Cecilia Iole as Lauren P does a smashing job with her “More Than A Virgin” number and Alexandria Neyhart as Lauren T is a powerhouse. Ann Delaney is Lauren R and Chelsie Cravens brings Lauren M. to life. Nina Jayashankar rounds out the lady cast as Jayshia.

Elkins has quite a voice and gives us the emcee with just the right flair. Since this show is covering several weeks of the “shows”, I would have thought that both he and the Bachelor would have had costume changes ( God knows all the ladies did). I did not see any musicians so I am thinking they are working with recorded music.  The language is adult and the “Penis or Heart” song has a special effect that might be gross for some. Opening night audience loved it!

Time to step away from your TV, get out to the theater and watch one of your favorite TV shows from a different perspective- have some fun.

This production will continue thru February 13th ( and make way for the next parody) with performances as follows:

Tuesdays  7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays  7:30 p.m.

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sundays  2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

To order tickets call the box office at 773-935-6100 or visit www.apollochicago.com

or visit www.ticketmaster.com

The Apollo is located at 2550 N. Lincoln Avenue. They do have a small lot ($20) or there is metered and unmetered street parking ( read the signs).

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Bachelor: The Unauthorized Parody Musical

All CDC health programs are in place. You must wear your mask during the entire show, but they are selling drinks!