“Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil” Reviewed by Paul Lisnek and Al Bresloff

**** I haven’t read the book or seen the film version, but today, I was witness to the new musical production at The Goodman Theatre. This book by Taylor Mac, based on the book by John Berendt, with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, is quite the spectacle. Christopher Oram has created a set that allows us to feel the sense of the characters  and their Southern community.

The main character in the story is one Jim Williams (Tom Hewitt handles the character well, but his vocal range is not up to the quality expected in a show of this magnitude). In the book and film there is a character, an author, named John Kelso, but in this new version, we the audience become the author, and the actors, from time to time, speak to us relative to as assisting us in the story and its parts.

The story involves the murder of Wilson’s assistant, and his trial for said crime. His assistant, Danny ( deftly handled by Austin Colby), a young man, attracted to life and lovers of every type, while dead, appears to Williams in “ghost” form for the second act, until the very end scene between the two men.

There are several wonderful portrayals in the musical version that need to be mentioned. Lady Chablis ( just watching  J. Harrison Ghee bring this role to life is an experience that will delight you). The opening of act two is very special and Ghee, makes it special. Ghee is aided by Wes Olivier in this scene and Olivier is quite funny.

The show is heading to New York for a Broadway run, and I am thinking over the next weeks, they will make more changes and modifications. I do hope that whatever they do, they will not change any of the scenes that Lady Chablis is in. The ladies of the town are also amazing in vocal range and it is always nice to see some of our local talent bring new roles to life ( and perhaps make the trek to The Great White Way). A tip of the hat to McKinley Carter, Sierra Boggess, Bailee Endebrock, Mary Ernster, and Jessica Molaskey.  I also appreciated Brianna Buckley as Minerva .

Other cast members who in many cases play many roles and help make set changes on the go all make this 2 hours and 45 minutes of theater work. They are: Lance Roberts, Kayla Shipman, Bailee Enderbrock, Shanel Bailey, Jarvis B. Manning, Jr., Andre Malcom, DeMarius R. Copes, Christopher Kelley, Maya Bowles, Rory Shirley, Sean Donavan, Jason MIchael Evans, Calvin L. Cooper, Daryn Whitney Harrell, Kayla Kennedy, Jake DiMaggio Lopez and Justin Rivers-BRAVO!

The tech on this show was masterful and the choreography (Tanya Biri-Torres) spell-binding. Toni-Leslie James’ costumes were incredible ( in particular those for Lady Chablis) as was the sound (Jan Weston) and lighting ( Jamie Platt and Neil Austin). The props were amazing and the music directed by Thomas Murray ( who also conducted the  13 musicians) was right on.

While I was quite entertained by the story, and now will rent the film to see how it compares, I am not sure that this is the story for everyone. It might be a bit PG and may also not be for some older people who are not liberal in thoughts and ideas. If you are into “Drag shows” you will find this to be extremely entertaining  and will see a top notch performer at the same time.

“Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil” will continue Thru August 11th with performances as follows:

Wednesdays        7:30pm (7/31 added 2 p.m.)

Thursdays           2:00pm & 7:30pm

Fridays                7:30pm

Saturdays           2:00pm & 7:30pm

Sundays              2:00pm

The Goodman Theatre is located at 170 North Dearborn

Show Type: Musical

Box Office: 312-443-3800

www.goodmantheatre.org

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****Phenomenal Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is Clearly Broadway Bound.

By:

Paul Lisnek, “Behind the Curtain,” WGNRadio.com

****/4   Not just highly recommended; but gets the HIGHEST of Recommendations…this show is NOT to be missed!

Goodman knows the magic formula for creating a visually stunning, profoundly performed and incredibly memorable production. And not since Tommy took Chicago by storm, has that magic been so strong…so powerful…so directly ready for Broadway. The shower of Chicago’s Jeff Awards and ultimately Tony Awards are certain to come. This is a classic production!

The production’s power and almost cult-like support in the audience was very clearly evidenced on opening night with endless cheers, applause and cast to audience connection. It’s clear that many had already seen the production and are likely returning over and over again…and they will no doubt return again…I know that I will!

This show is tailor made for J. Harrison Ghee, who, as Lady Chablis holds the audience in the palm of their hand from the first ovation- inducing steps on to the stage. They know it….they play it…and their propelled by the audience love. Ghee is already a star, soon to become a Broadway legend!

Indeed, what the book and movie presented as a fairly minor character has now become the major force of this musical. Comparisons to Lola in Kinky Boots are certain, but Lady Chablis already knows who they are and the metamorphosis of Lola in Kinky has already taken place in Lady…she’s a strong force to be reckoned with…and accepted, or not. Either way, Lady Chablis will forge ahead!

“Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil” will continue Thru August 11th with performances as follows: