Recommended *** Biographies, when it comes to theater are not always easy. Part of what takes place in writing a biographical play is picking a person of interest. Elizabeth Taylor, a superstar in “her day” would be one of those people. I am not sure of how many young people even know of her- her career ( being a child superstar), winning accolades for her many films or even the stories of her husbands, her lovers and her generosity. Many young people are only aware of her reputation and her commercials on TV for diamonds and beauty products.
Elizabeth Taylor was indeed a star. In KB Productions “Call Me Elizabeth” now streaming on a computer in your home, Kayla Boye becomes the superstar whose life is topsy turvy. It is the Summer of 1961 ( a year after I graduated high school). Ms Taylor had won an Oscar. She had also just recovered from pneumonia ( a harsh case that almost was her demise) and her current film “Cleopatra” was shut down. This is probably the first time in years that she has some time to examine her life and so she calls in a biographer. It is time to write her story and give people the truth about “Liz Taylor” ( who has been on magazine covers galore) and that she does not like to be called Liz, preferring Elizabeth ( her name).
Written by and starring Kayla Boye, the work is a thoughtful look at a pop culture icon, adored and or hated by millions, dealing with who she is, why she is where she is and how best to tell her story. During this pandemic, Ms Boye, now had the time to put it all together and she did. While it is not a subject that will please all audiences ( I am thinking our young theater audiences ) it is a fine production with smooth direction by Erin Kraft and music added by Ethan Deppe and vocals done by Bethany Thomas.
The cinematography ( Ryan Cassell) and production photos (Kachi Mozie) add to the total view, something new added to our Covid-Era theatrical productions. In this time of missing “live” theater, I applaud those who are finding new ways to bring us away from Netflix and HBO so we can once again get theater, if not in the building, at least from our local actors and technicians, making Chicago vibrant in the world of entertainment.
Tickets to view this charming production start at $25.
The production will be available thru May 9th ( and may be extended)
For more information, visit www.porchlightmusictheatre.org
Running time 70 minutes ( no intermission)
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Call Me Elizabeth”.
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