“Falling For Make Believe” reviewed by Edie Reese

[rating=4] The focus of this song-laden play is Lorens “Larry” Hart, the gifted yet personally tortured lyricist half of the team who wrote so many songs which are still part of the American songbook today including “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered,” “The Lady Is A Tramp,” and “My Funny Valentine.” The two-hour show (produced by MadKap Productions) is playing now through October 16 at the Skokie Theatre, 7294 Lincoln Avenue, Skokie IL 60077. The story is narrated in counterpointed flashbacks by Rodgers (eulogizing Hart at his funeral), as well as Fletcher Mecklin, a fictionalized lover of Hart’s. This counterpointed narration is sometimes difficult to follow, but that is a minor issue with the script. The acting and singing in this production is excellent.

By most accounts, Larry Hart was a charming man who could write witty and meaningful lyrics with lightning speed, yet was an incurable alcoholic and chronically late, which infuriated the punctual and uber-organized Rodgers. In an era where homosexuality was illegal, Hart was a closeted gay who was paranoid that his sexual orientation would be discovered. Sean Michael Barrett plays the full range of emotions of this complex character. Sean M.G. Caron masters the increasingly frustrated role of Rodgers. (He also is the best dancer in the cast.) Mandi Corrao is a delightful Vivienne Segal, Rodgers and Hart’s favorite actress and gal pal. She shows the powerful side of her voice in “Johnny One Note,” and the tender, poignant side in “My Funny Valentine.”

Nate Hall plays Fletcher Mecklin, a farm boy from Pennsylvania Dutch country who arrives in New York to audition for a Rodgers and Hart musical but also hopes to have a “social” relationship with Hart. Fletcher starts out as an opportunist, but over time he develops a genuine love for Hart. Hall demonstrates the contrast between infatuation (“My Heart Stood Still”) and painful love lost (“My Funny Valentine,” a duet with Vivienne). The agent who brings Fletcher and Hart together is (and was) incredibly, a real person, Milton “Doc” Bender, a dentist turned talent agent and a long-time friend of Hart’s. Donaldson Cardenas brings just the right sinister charm to this character. Featuring her comic talents as a Jail Guard in Act I and a surprise cabaret opening to Act II as Peggy is Cheryl Szucsits.

Music Director Aaron Kaplan has made sure that all musical aspects of the production are well-coordinated. The three-piece band (Andrew Milliken –Piano/Conductor, Andrew Moreno—Bass and Maddi Vogel—Drums) sets the mood for the show and backs up the actors well. Susan Pritzker’s choreography is lively and makes the best use of the small stage. Patty Halajian’s Costume design injects color whenever possible to contrast against the dark Art Deco set. Intimacy Director Christa Retka does a great job with the love scenes between Fletcher and Hart. The scenes are believable and appropriate for a small-sized theater. Rounding out the technical side of the house are Maddy Shilts (Stage Manager),Kevin Jay Mell (Sound Design), Pat Henderson (Lighting Designer), Wayne Mell (Director) and Wendy Kaplan (Producer).

Although the plot unflinchingly chronicles an American tragedy (Hart died at age 48), the show is worth seeing not only to remember Larry Hart’s life, but also to remember his glorious, clever lyrics put to Richard Rodgers’ sublime music. The night I attended there were a number of empty seats. Maybe it was due to the irresistibility of a cool summer evening spent outdoors. Whatever the reason, this reviewer hopes that there will be fewer empty seats for future performances. Whether these songs are new to you or they are old friends, you ought to do yourself a favor and come in to hear “Where or When”, “Isn’t It Romantic?” “This Can’t Be Love,” and more.

“Falling for Make Believe” continues under the following schedule through October 16, 2022:

Fridays   7:30 p.m.

Saturdays, 7:30 p.m

Sundays, 2:00 p.m.
One performance on Wednesday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m.

The theatre is located at 7924 N. Lincoln Avenue in Skokie

Tickets are $45 with a rate of $38 for seniors and students. Contact the box office via the theatre’s web site (SkokieTheatre.org) for group rates. MadKap Productions is running a discount promotion for the remaining three shows is its five-show season. Contact the web site or box off to enroll in the Season. Parking is available in the theater parking lot and on street. Mask protocol is always changing, please check the theater website for mask protocol before the theater performance.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Falling For Make Believe”.

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