“Passing Strange”

**** I am uncertain as to the number of theater-goers who recognize the name Stew. Stew is a singer-songwriter who decided to write a musical play, or some might say, a play with music to help tell the story. While I know that most people my age will find this rating far higher than it might be, I was enamored by the production of his work, “Passing Strange” as were the under 30 years olds in the almost full house at Theo Ubique. Since I fall into a special age category: a man much “younger” than his years, I felt the story and the rock music didn’t bother me ( I just removed my hearing aids). The music is by Heidi Rodewald, but it is the script and lyrics that truly make this story come to life.

“Passing Strange” is a rock musical that has comedic parts as well as some very dramatic scenes. The story is about an African-American “youth” ( Michael Jones, making his Theo debut is fantastic) and his journey into self-discovery. He is into music and considers himself an artist. It’s about growing up and never having to try the things that you desired and feeling as if life has passed you by. The story starts out with our Narrator (played to perfection by Jordan Debose) introducing us to the cast of players and setting the tone (“Prologue”/”We Might Play All Night”). He wanders the set (designed by Sydney Lynne has done some clever things with this Black Box stage) and even sits with audience members, making sure that we understand where we are going.

The “Youth” needs to search for his true self, so he leaves his mother ( deftly handled by Jenece Upton) and home in Los Angeles, and heads to Amsterdam, and then Berlin. During his travels, he meets all types of artists and learns a great deal about sex, drinking, and being on his own. He also learns that family is important and that no matter where we go and what we do, when push comes to shove it is indeed wonderful to know that somewhere, someone loves you. During his search, we see him participate in many scenes dealing with drugs, sex and rock n’ roll. While some might fin this offensive, this is still happening today ( this was written in 2004 and played in 2008.

Smoothly directed by  Tim Rhoze, who uses the space at Theo to make sure that the audience never misses anything, and with choreography by Terri K. Woofall, this is a highly energetic story. On the tech side, the lighting (David Goodman-Edberg) and sound (Stefanie Senior) were perfect. The costumes by Austin Winter were right on and changed with the times and the places. The music, as always in this theater was perfect, never drowning out the performers, allowing us to hear the lyrics word by word as they do tell the story.

The concept of the story came from Stew witnessing a production of “Othello ( by Shakespeare) and the quote that became the title, “Passing Strange”. Spike Lee made a film version that I never saw, and this is the second production I have seen on a stage. To be honest, this production is far better than seeing it on a regular stage. The intimacy of this production makes one feel that they are in fact in the story itself, no matter their lifestyle or who they were.

This is an ensemble piece with a group of players that exceed the expectations of the audience members ( except some old codgers who did not return from intermission). They are as follows: Caitlin Dobbins, Michael Mejia, Chamaya Moody, Elliot Sagay and the pit singers, Marquise DeJahn, Cynthia Hindmon and Makenzy Jenkins. A very talented group. The musicians under the direction of Dr. Michael McBride ( keyboards) are terrific, and spread out so they do not overpower, are Ben Heppner ( drums), Willow Bloom ( bass) and Harpo Caruso (guitar).

“Passing Strange” will continue at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre located at 721 West Howard Street in Evanston, thru July 30th with performances as follows:

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  7:30 p.m.

Sundays  6:00 p.m.

Tickets range from$45 and as always, you can pre-order their dinner ( Good to Go) to order call 773-939-4101 or visit www.theo-u.com

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

NOTE: The theater is on the Evanston side of Howard Street, so pay attention to the meters where you park. They have different hours than the Chicago side of the street.