“Hundred Days”

Highly Recommended ****  What if we all were on a time limit? How would our lives be changed or affected by being told that we ONLY had blank days to live- period! That is in part what Kokandy Productions is bringing to the Chicago theater scene ( at last- it was another of the pandemic interrupted productions) in the lower venue at The Chopin Theatre in Chicago. This is the Chicago premiere of a bold new musical that in just 85 minutes introduces us to the aforementioned question.

Written by The Bengsons ( music and lyrics) and with a book written by them with Sarah Gancher, “Hundred Days” is a love story, but more, much more!

Emilie Modaff is Abigail Bengson and her husband Shaun is played by Alec Phan ( who alternates with Royen Kent). The actual couple met as they sought careers in music, fell in love and prepared for marriage in three weeks time. Evidently the chemistry was there. This young couple bring these real people to life in an intimate staging directed by Lucky Stiff . The stage is surrounded on three sides by audience members, sitting at tables that appear to be antiques with a feeling of a special observation of this love story. During their courtship, Abigail discusses her dream of hearing that Shaun has 100 days to live.

It is their decision to live each day as a year and use whatever time they have together to  its fullest joy.

The music they make is a combination of folk and punk music and some truly solid musicians backing them up, the story unfolds in a way that holds your interest from start to finish ( in fact, I think some audience members did not want it to finish- they wanted even more).

“Hundred Days” is a true celebration of life. The musicians, who play many different instruments and sing are terrific. Grace Bobber, David Gordon-Johnson, Lucas “Looch” Johnson, Brennan Urbi and Melanie Vitaterna- each and every one of these talented people bring something special to the experience and even though they know what to expect, they never show anticipation to the audience. It is as they are experiencing each segment of the story with us. They truly share their feelings with us and with the Bengsons. They are in fact, The Bengson Family.

I wasn’t sure how a show like this would play out- a story with music about finding the answer to the question “How do we make the most of the time we have left”, I found myself caught into the story and thought about the subject on the way home. We all had to use time differently during the pandemic. Many of us made life adjustments that we would never have considered until March 2020- we have changed and rejoined the living, together. Much of this is the spirit of the show and I can guarantee your going to feel better leaving the theater.

:Hundred Days” will continue at The Chopin Theatre 1543 West Division ( between Milwaukee Avenue and Ashland Avenue) thru January 9th ( perfect for the holidays) with performances as follows:

Wednesdays  8 p.m.

Thursdays  8 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays    8 p.m.

Sundays  5 p.m.

Tickets are $38 ( $30 for student and seniors) and there are a limited number of $15 tix for artists and students. To order yours visit www.kokandyproductions.com

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Hundred Days”.

Kokandy requires proof of vaccination and photo ID and you will be asked to wear your mask for entire performance.