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PERFORMANCES SHINE IN FIREBRAND’S “PATSY CLINE”
If you are a fan of country music a la Grand Old Opry, then the heel-stomping band and fine feature performances by Harmony France and Christina Hall in the Firebrand Theatre production of “Always…Patsy Cline” is the show for you.
Read More‘9 TO 5’ IS A HOOT!
Clever, funny, inspiring … After setting The Den’s Bookspan Theatre ablaze with their first-ever production of LIZZIE last fall, Firebrand Theatre returns with a rousing production of 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL. Firebrand’s Artistic Director Harmony France has assembled a terrific, multi-talented ensemble who double as musicians and just about everything else from office workers to forest creatures. It’s clever, funny, inspiring and what’s more, this ‘9 TO 5’ is a hoot!
The more things change … The high jinks of the Broadway version of this show felt more frivolous musical comedy and less like the 1980 film that energized a movement or the transformational Firebrand edition now playing on North Milwaukee Avenue. It is a story about three women who face personal and professional challenges in the workplace brought about by a despicable, sexist employer. On the way home you will be humming the familiar tunes and thinking that the more things change, the more they stay the same.
A cogent parable … 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL has become a cogent parable for our times and France's insightful approach speaks to the core Firebrand philosophy, that of empowering gender equality on and off the stage. There are clear creative choices throughout -- 'One of the Boys' being a prime example -- that strengthen the overall message of inclusion while at the same time delivering laugh-out-loud entertainment. In the real world, of course, there are severe consequences for kidnapping your boss for a month, so think of it these days as more like musical comedy with the message that working together for change is always the best choice.
Formidable talent … In the role of Doralee, Sharriese Hamilton brings her formidable talent to bear as the assistant who is constantly being pursued by Scott Danielson’s loathsome Mr. Hart. Delivering a dynamic, full-range, performance is Anne Sheridan Smith as Violet, the rising leader of the pack. Judy is played with sensitivity and humor by Sara Reinecke. Once they all start busting up the old boy network, even the distrustful and devious Roz, a role that Veronica Garzas was destined to play, begins to crack. At the end of the day, it is clear that the work world is about to change for the better.
What to watch and wait for … Musical Director Andra Velis Simon has added depth to the Dollie Parton score in familiar tunes like “9 to 5” … “Around Here” …“I Just Might” … “Backwoods Barbie” … “Heart to Hart” … “Shine Like The Sun” … “One of the Boys” … “Get Out And Stay Out”.
The Takeaway … it will take vigilance, many more adjustments of attitude at the top, a fostering of mutual respect, support and understanding, and flexible hours to effect change. When all else fails, a one-way ticket to Bolivia just might do the trick.
PHOTOS|Emily Schwartz
FIREBRAND THEATRE
Presents
9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL
Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton
Book by Patricia Resnick
Directed by Artistic Director Harmony France
Music Direction by Andra Velis-Simon
through May 20, 2018
The Den Theatre|Bookspan Theatre
1331 N. Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
773-697-3830
WEBSITE TICKETS
For more reviews, visit: Theatre In Chicago
Listen to our
2017 CONVERSATION
with HARMONY FRANCE
PODCAST
ARCHIVE
“Firebrand Rocks The House ... ‘LIZZIE’ SLAYS!”
What’s it about … even if all you knew was the infamous nursery rhyme, it would be enough to peak your curiosity about the debut production of Chicago’s newest Equity company, Firebrand Theatre. Residing in a place somewhere between rock musical and punk concert, a cast of four women and an on stage band tell the story of Lizzie, her sister Emma, girlfriend Alice and the housekeeper, Bridget, who all have a secret they have kept for a long time, 1892 to be exact.
Why you should go … Firebrand Theatre is the world’s first musical theatre company committed to employing and empowering women on and off the stage. It is the brainchild of co-founder and producer Harmony France, directed by Victoria Bussert and stars Camille Robinson, Liz Chidester, Jacquelyne Jones and Leah Davis at newly remodeled The Den Theatre's Bookspan Theatre at 1333 N. Milwaukee.
Who did it and why ... the famous murder of Mr. Borden and his wife — not Lizzie’s mother, btw — made Fall River, Massachusetts infamous. And while it was never proved that Lizzie was behind it all, there is a lot of there there. To tell you more, might give it all away since there are some tantalizing surprises.
Power-packed... Robinson, Chidester, Jones and Davis are non-stop terrific in a driving, pulsating performance. This is an ensemble effort, with an all-woman rock band.
What to wait and watch for ... 'House of Borden' ... Chidester nails 'This Is Not Love' ... 'Sweet Little Sister' ... 'Somebody Will Do Something' ... 'The Dress' ... 'Questions, Questions' ... 'Will You Stay'
Plan ahead ... haze, strobe lights and "splash effect" warning in place, so don't wear white or sit up front.
What’s next ... There’s a big buzz for Firebrand. After LIZZIE, the company presents Nine to Five opening April 7, 2018.
Photos|Marisa KM
