PicksInSix Review: Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody
Laughter, Actually, Is Here In Chicago!
Guest Contributor | Scott Gryder
If you search online for the most popular holiday movies of our time, Richard Curtis’s 2003 Love Actually is found in the top 10 of multiple lists. Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody, now playing at the Apollo Theater through January 2nd, only enhances the original, beloved plot. Whether you’re a diehard fan of the movie, or even a casual lover of general pop culture, Love Actually? will tickle your tinsel!
With the fast-paced hullabaloo execution of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, the musical parody Love, Actually? delivers character work harkening back to the genius of Forbidden Broadway, but with a punchier, indelicate wit. Based on the iconic holiday hit, writers Bob and Tobly McSmith resourcefully recreate the rom-com using the names of the actors who originated the roles of each character, resulting in comic gold. And Basil Winterbottom’s music charmingly clips along, making sure that no gag or moment overstays its welcome.
Of course, in order to recreate a Hollywood star-studded cast, you must assemble an all-star, all-Chicago ensemble, who can mutate through an assortment of recognizable character parts with a precision that would make the cast of SNL turn holly green with envy. Each celebrity character was brought to life by Ann Delaney, Jake Elkins, Ryan Foreman, Dan Plehal, Amanda Walker, and Christopher Wayland with almost frightening accuracy, not to mention the required use of a wild variety of accents coupled with musical prowess. Considering the level of commitment required to counterfeit the famous mannerisms and vocal stylings of each celebrity, layered over the practical physical demands of quick-changes unseen by the audience, I was floored to be reminded at curtain call that this entire circus of over 50 characters was brought to life by a mere six performers.
I was initially apprehensive as soon as the first mock celebrity sighting landed center stage. Could frenetic humor at this level sustain itself? Would it grow wearing over the next 85 minutes? In short: no! Not only were the scene transitions technically seamless, with the choreographed use of minimal props and furniture, but the minute the laughter began to subside, another sparkling impression or ludicrous lyric would catch the audience off guard. And music director Ethan Andersen and sound designer Matthew Fischer present this unfamiliar musical material with clarity and understanding through precise diction and balance.
Director Tim Drucker pushes the limits of absurdity with a driven, commedia dell'arte-style physicality, while Brooke Engen’s choreography (originally co-choreographed with Tiffany Engen) refreshes musical theater conventions with a made-for-TV holiday special shine. Set designer Joshua Warner’s farcical element of festive red doors trimming a stunning proscenium-size glitter-wrapped backdrop was a gift in itself; literally. And the ice-rink themed stage floor was a whimsical holiday touch. Brandon Baruch’s brilliant lighting was not only practical, assisting in the execution of flowing transitions, but it served as a comical tool in and of itself, highlighting shenanigans and creating sight gags. Much like the famed backstage peek of Noises Off, one can only imagine that the action behind the scenes, juggling the magical layering of Dustin Cross’s costumes and Conor Donnelly’s hair/wigs, would be just as entertaining as the madness onstage. The flurry of Love Actually? joyfully jostles the audience as if we were inside a giant snow globe, being bombarded by “snowflakes” of sassy scenes and campy musical numbers.
So often, when catching a parody piece, I find myself hungry to watch the original source material; however, Love Actually? is such a winning tribute that I am actually wholly satisfied. If you’re looking for holiday cheer, give yourself the gift of Love Actually? The Unauthorized Parody Musical. Oh, and just try not to leave the theater working on your Keira Knightly smile... grimace?... smile.
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | SCOTT GRYDER received a Non-Equity Jeff Award for his performance in the one-man show BUYER & CELLAR. www.thescottgryder.com
PHOTO | Timothy M. Schmidt
Right Angle Entertainment
presents
Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody
Apollo Theater
2550 N Lincoln Ave
through January 2, 2022
TICKETS
(773) 935-6100
CHICAGO CAST
SHOW WEBSITE - CHICAGO & NEW YORK
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