“On The Town”

Recommended *** Community Theater in the Chicago area is some of the best. As someone who has done some shows in the area, I can speak from experience. These are devoted actors who, for the most part have full -time careers and find the time ( or make the time) to be in plays. One of these companies, Highland Park Players has been around for over 30 years, and while they use the stage at Northbrook’s Leisure Center,  and the actors come form the entire Chicago area, they are a driving force for your actors, so I try to see every musical they do.

They are currently doing one of Broadway’s “oldies but goodies”, “On The Town”, a musical that hit New York  back in 1944. Yes, 1944, over 70 years ago. Any theater aficionado seeing the names attached to this musical, know that theses names are part of the history of Broadway musicals. The music is by Leonard Bernstein. The lyrics and book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and the entire concept is based on an idea by Jerome Robbins. I told you they were names that will “rock your boat”! They were all young and just starting out and “On The Town” was designed to be different from any other musical before. This was a musical that added almost 1/4 of the musical numbers as ballet dances and the young Bernstein incorporated the sounds of the city into his score, almost having some symphonic sounds in places. In fact, when listening to the music, there are times, one feels as if this could easily be a Gershwin piece. How fortunate we are on the North Shore to have a company willing to go into the vault and bring out a classic work.

Due to the length of this show and the great number of dance numbers, Highland Park Players has brought back Director/Choreographer Dina DiCostanzo to put it all together. She understands the story and uses dance to tell it as Bernstein wanted to. It is an incredible work and she has exceeded my expectations. The only reason for not having a HIGHLY in my rating is that the show is not for everyone and many audiences cannot handle a show over 2 1/2 hours, no matter the quality. I also found that as solid and energetic as the cast was, there were players who did not fit the characters they were asked to handle, and from my experience with Community Theater, I know that often you have little choice.

The story is about three sailors who are given a day of R & R ( rest and recreation) in New York and their desire is to see the town and find true love. Or at least, have a great date. The sailors are Gabey ( Christopher Johnson does a credible job), Chip ( deftly handled by Steven Schur, a newcomer to the area, but a name you will see more of) and Ozzie ( well done by Aaron G. Stash). Gabey desires love and finds himself attracted to Miss Turnstyle ( a subway contest every month) , Ivy Smith ( a powerful performance by the beautiful Ariana Cappuccitti ( with a great voice and is a solid dancer). His buddies are assigned the mission to find her for him and along the way find their own women, each with an interesting story as well. Claire ( solidly played by Brittny Goon) and Hildy ( always reliable Justine Klein does another great job) add some spice to their lives and make the chase of the gold ( my way of explaining the importace of them finding Ivy).

As we travel along the subway in search of this promise land, we meet all types of New York characters, including Claire’s fiancée, Pitkin (Geoff Isaac) and Hildy’s roommate, Lucy (Lisa Adams) and Ivy’s vocal coach Madame Dilly ( the comical Naomi Hershman) and a host of other supporting actors: Terry Bangs, Frank Caputo, Dana Clouser, Jacob Cohen, Maggie May Dominic, Henry Gessner, Jeri Hart, Alex Iacobucci, Sarah Makkawy, Toni Mansfield, Jennifer McHugh, Rebecca Nigro, Peter Rasey, Katrina Rautanen, Jill Schwartz and Carly Vadnals as the little old lady. Well done ensemble. You should be proud of what you bring to the stage.

The musical director, Aaron Kaplan and his 22 musicians make the music fill the auditorium and what you hear is pure magic. From the overture to the curtain call, you will be entranced by the power of Leonard Bernstein. The set (Brett Baleskie) is New York and the subway cars work. Rachel Parent’s costumes were very 1940’s but some of the sailors suits were different and most of the pants were not bell bottoms. Carol Lee Wax and Bob Silton did a great job with the props and the lighting ( Alec Kinastowski) and sound (Mike Patrick) were perfect.

This is , as I said earlier, “an oldie, but goodie” and if you are into theater, this should be on your to see list. You only have until October 28th to do so. The dates are as follows:

October 19th  7:30 p.m.

October 20th  7:30 p.m.

October 21st  2 p.m.

October 26th  7:30 p.m.

October 27th  7:30 p.m.

October 28th  2 p.m.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

To order your chance to see this production, call 847-291-2995 or visit http://www.highlandparkplayers.com

The theater is located at 3323 Walters Avenue in Northbrook. Plenty of free parking. The building is located just west of the police station in Northbrook.