“Starting Here, Starting Now”:

[rating=3] One of my favorite spots in Chicago is TheoUbique Cabaret Theatre, a little storefront in Rogers park, where Artistic Director Fred Anzevino brings musicals and revues to Chicago audiences. These have been award winning shows  over the years and even the smallest of shows become large under his careful eye. Their current production, “Starting Here,Starting Now” is a combination of songs by Richard Maltby,Jr.( Lyrics) and David Shire ( Music). is supposed to be a “coming of age” story dealing with love, love lost and love found again. To be honest, the story line itself doesn’t matter as we are witness to three very talented performers who make these songs come to life. These are songs from shows tht never made it to the Great White Way. These would be classified as the best of what these writers wrote that noone really knows.

While these are unknown songs with the exception of the title song “Starting Here,Starting Now” and yet under Anzevino’s careful direction along with musical direction of Jeff Award winner, Eugene Dizon and the clever choreography of Maggie Portman, this is a delightful evening of entertainment. For those of you unfamiliar with this “little theatre that could” located at The No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood , the space is very small with a tiny stage , but designer  Adam Veness has found a way to  use the space that all of the 60 audience members get a clear view of the action and the three performers,  Teddy Boone, Stephanie Herman and Hilary Patingre are delightful to watch. Boone might take a closer look at some of his mannerisms as he needs to be a little more macho to pull off the lover boy image that has the two women wanting him and willing to give up whatever for him. Herman is sexy, glamorous and has a dynamite vocal range and adorable Patingre is as cute as a button. Her voice would be perfect for doing Disney stuff and I would love to see her play Little Red Riding Hood in “Into The Woods”. I imagine she would be perfect.

The magic of Theo Ubique is that tehy are entertainers. They want you to have a memorable experience and an eveing of solid fun. From stirring productions ( full plays condensed) like “Chess”. “Evita” and “Cats” to musical revues, their mission is to engage actors and audiences in an intimate and honest conversation with great theatrical works. This they do and to perfection. The performers even wait on you with either your dinner or beverages and deserts- talk about developing a relationship with the cast!

“Starting Here,Starting Now” will continue through November 6th with performeances as follows:

Thursdays 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m.

Tickets range from $25-$30 and there is an optional dinner available  for $20 or just dessert for a mere $5. If coming for dinner, you need to arrive 90 minutes prior to curtain.

To purchse tickets call 800-595-4849 or visit www.theoubique.org for info you can call 773-347-1109

There is street parking in the area and of course the Morse Avenue Red Line stop is just steps away and  you can park at the lot at Ravenswood and Morse FREE with shuttle that takes you to and from the theater.

If you  love music and want to have a fun and entertaining evening, TheoUbique will never let you down. I am happy to announce that the new tables and chairs truly make the evening more enjoyable ( and comfortable)  Thanks to Selected Furniture of Chicago and TeleGuia/GuiaTelefonica.