“Revolution (s)”

There is no question that this is a story with music that will make more sense to younger audiences, but not real young. There are many situations and use of language that is not for under 16 ( in my opinion). The play is done on the open stage of the Owen with the musicians onstage. Director Steve H. Broadnax III uses the set designed by Derek Mclane to ensure that no matter where you are seated, you will not miss any of the action. There is not a great deal of dance, but the choreography by Millicent Johnnie is quite fitting to the story-telling that Dohrn and Morello have created.

The story might be confusing, so I will attempt to keep it simple. Hampton Falk-Weems ( deftly handled by Aaron James McKenzie) a soldier and aspiring musician returns from duty in Afghanistan, he finds that his neighborhood ( the south side of Chicago), he finds that there is another war to face. What we experience during this two hours plus of musical theater ( there is one 15 minute intermission) are two stories that intertwine. A father who does not have an honorable discharge, so has no benefits, who finds his true love, has twin boy and in order to survive must become a thief. His twin sons, also find themselves caught in self made traps and through the magic of music, we the audience get to watch and consider what becomes of  violence and how it can take over our very being.

In this play we see the connection between the music and the truths that become unveiled and how people can relate with one another. These are people who  have emotions and feelings and yet they are thwarted at every turn in their lives. Yet, they cling to each other in hopes that the love they share will get them to their dream. The ensemble is terrific and one can see the enthusiasm in their actions as well as their voices. Jackie Burns, Jakeim Hart, Michael earvin Martin, Al’Jaleel McGhee, Billy Rude, Alysia Velez, Haley Gustafson, Christopher Kelley, Eric A. Lewis, Jarais Musgrove, AJ Paramo and Kendal Marie Wilson. I do feel that this ensemble will be Jeff recommended!

On the tech side, the projections by Rasean Davonte Johnson and the costumes by Raquel Adorno long with the lighting ( Greg Hoffman) and sound ( Stephanie Farina) bring the picture into focus for following the multi stories. The orchestra under the leadership of Musical Director Paul Mutzabaugh never overpowers the cast members and while it is a very LOUD show, the Goodman does provide a pair of foam ear plugs to make life just a little easier.

I will tell you that there are a few places where you might forget that you are at a play, feeling like this could be a concert and you will see yourself clapping your hands along witht he ensemble. It is okay! In fact, I truly feel that they are expecting this reaction and I will also tell you not to leave during the curtain call, as they will have one more song after “Whatever It Takes”. Think about that title and you will understand the story as each of our young men ( yes, the father and his sons) must do “whatever it takes” to live their lives! We hear about our streets and the lurking danger. Yes, there is a war out there, and some people are more exposed to it than others.