“On The 20th Century” Reviewed by Frank Meccia

**** Chicago theatre enthusiasts were eagerly anticipating the delightful revival of “On the 20th Century,” a lively musical set in the 1930s aboard a luxurious train heading to New York. This musical, with book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and music by Cy Coleman, returned to Chicago for the first time since its 1990s run at Drury Lane. The 2015 Broadway revival after a 37-year absence only heightened the excitement for this production, which certainly lived up to the hype.

The plot revolves around the egomaniacal impresario Oscar Jaffe, a role brilliantly brought to life by Max DeTogne. Jaffe, struggling after four consecutive flops, sees a last-ditch opportunity to regain his former glory. With his latest show abruptly closing in Chicago, Jaffe owes back salary to his furious cast and crew. Secretly, he orders his press agent Owen O’Malley (played by Dustin Rothbart) and his business manager Oliver Webb (Nick Arceo) to meet him aboard the Twentieth Century Limited to New York. Their mission: to produce a new play and secure the contract and heart of his former lover and the show’s star, Lily Garland, enchantingly played by Karylin Veres.

Karylin Veres as Lily Garland captivates the audience with her charming voice that resonates beautifully throughout the theatre. Her chemistry with DeTogne’s Oscar Jaffe is electric, adding depth and humor to their tumultuous relationship.
Alicia Berneche shines as Letitia Peabody Primrose, the prim and proper socialite whose antics add to the slapstick comedy that defines the show. Christopher Johnson as Bruce Granit, the strong and perpetually worried escort, delivers a performance filled with impeccable comedic timing. Rothbart and Arceo as O’Malley and Webb are a dynamic duo, masterfully executing their roles as the masterminds behind Jaffe’s desperate scheme. Their efforts to concoct and sell the idea of a non-existent play keep the audience in stitches.

The musical scores, a testament to Cy Coleman’s genius, are performed with zest and flair, bringing the vibrant energy of the 1930s to life. The production’s direction by Danny Kapinoswith , the brilliant musical direction of Aaron Kaplan, and the choreography by Jennifer Cupani were brilliant and fabulous for being staged in such a small theater—a stage less than 70 sq feet. Capturing the spirit of early slapstick comedy creates an immersive and exciting theatrical experience. With an ensemble of seven people and the cast, they had dancing, tap dancing, and significant movement in that small space. “On the Twentieth Century” is a delightful journey filled with laughter, romance, and sensational musical numbers. This revival in Chicago is a testament to the timeless appeal of Comden and Green’s witty script and Coleman’s unforgettable music. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to this classic, this production is a must-see, offering a splendid ride from start to finish. I was impressed by a theatre company I had never heard of before, but now I can’t wait for their next production.

“On The 20th Century” will run till June 9th, with performances as follows:

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays     7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  7:30 p.m. ( on June 6th there is also a 2 p.m. performance)

Sundays    3 p.m.

“On The 20th Century” will be performed at the Bramble Arts Lofts, located at 5545 N. Clark Street, in the Andersonville area of Chicago.

Plenty of street parking nearby. Tickets range from $15-$35; BTW, there are no bad seats in this small theatre. Additional information and tickets are available at www.blanktheatrecompany.org.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “On The 20th Century”.