***** For many years, I have loved attending the productions that Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre has put on its stages. Both the original on Glenwood in Rogers Park, and the much fancier Evanston location, knowing that I will see the best of the best with talent that will surprise and awe me. When I first attended one of their shows, I had the privilege ( and honor) to meet the founder ( and the man who directed most of the productions), Fred Anzevino. I absolutely loved what he offered in those days. Meals were an option! A drink was in fashion and I always knew that the production I was seeing would be the “best of the best”!. The only problem I had was the seats were uncomfortable. Due to my connections  I was able to find a restaurant supply house willing to make a donation of tables and chairs that would change the look, the feel and of course, the comfort of the theater. I did this for the audiences and as a thank you to Fred for the quality of what he put on the stage.

My thoughts about Theo Ubique have never changed. The new location is wonderful, and parking much easier than Rogers Park. Tonight’s opening of “Diana the Musical” was a wonderful tribute to the man I have been talking about, as it was Fred’s vision along with co-director Brenda Didier, to bring this wonderful biography/musical to a Chicago area theater. Most of you are probably aware that during this period, our friend passed away, but as they say “the show must go on” and indeed it not only went on, this production is “BRILLIANT” and should be on everyone’s “TO DO” list!

As the company expressed in the press notes- “Fred was deeply involved in shaping this production from its earliest stages through casting, staffing and design, and remained a vital presence in the rehearsal room until his passing” As an audience member, I can tell you that I felt his presence every moment of the two hours ( with one intermission), and in fact, during the final scene, thought I saw him smiling wide center stage! I can tell you, a tear came to my eye!

This work with a book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music and lyrics by David Bryan, tells the story of  Diana, set in 1981 as the world is hungry for a royal wedding. For those of you not aware of who the creators of this tale are, let me make you aware. DiPietro wrote “Memphis” and ” All Shook Up”, and Bryan is known for his work with Bon Jovi.We are told the story from the onset of the relationship through Princess Diana’s death and with the 90’s rock score and the directions and choreography ( handled to perfection, as always, by Didier) bring every segment    of the relationship and its meaning to both America and Great Britain to life.

I must tell you that the cast assembled by Anzevino and Didier could not have been any better than this one . In the role of Diana, Kate McQuillan captures the beauty and power of this woman. Her voice sparkles and her smile is enchanting. Jack Saunders does a wonderful job of bringing Charles to life, and his relationship with Camilla ( deftly handled by Colette Todd) is enchanting. In the role of Queen Elizabeth , as well as a few other roles, is Jacqueline Grandt, who I have adored over the years at other storefront theaters. Her vocal ability was unknown to this writer, and I was amazed at her range as well as her comedic talents.

James Hewitt, Diana’s lover, is bought to life by Dan Gold, who also plays ensemble roles. Speaking of ensemble, this particular production has a major contender for the Jeff Award ensemble with these amazing performers: Matheus Barbee, Mai Hartwich, Beck Hokanson, Jon Parker Jackson, Nicholas Ian, Connor Ripperger, Amanda Handegan, Caitlyn Cerza, Jackson Mikkelsen and Kendal Marie Wilson. Bravo! They sing, they dance, they change roles and even move the furniture about. They are dynamite!

Theo being a small, intimate space, doesn’t allow for much in the way of a set, but they do manage to give the illusions that are basic to the story thanks to Manuel Ortiz. The lighting (Denise Karczewski) is right on and quite effective and the sound (Matthew R. Chase) perfect. I was quite impressed by the costumes ( Patty Halajian) and in particular one special effect where we see Diana change onstage in seconds- this is a Broadway type moment on Howard Street! Kevin Barthel’s wigs were effective despite the closeness of performer and audience and the props by Ellen Marcus were just right ( although a few cameras would have added to “Snap, Click”).

Carolyn Brady is the Music Director of the production and the three musicians led by Kevin Zhou ( conductor/keyboard), Matt Wolf (Bass) and Benjamin Heppner ( drums) bring the music to life. The songs contained in the show are story moving and none truly stand out as anything you might hum leaving the theater. But each one helps to propel a marvelous telling of a story that many of us watched unfold and still think about from time to time. Thank you Fred for adding this work to the many great moments in Chicago theater history.

 

“Diana the Musical” will continue Thru – July 6th with performances as follows: