Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents ROAD SHOW.
Composer Stephen Sondheim has immortalized the real life shenanigans of the Mizner brothers in this musical tribute. Sondheim tells the tales of the ambitious brothers chasing fame and fortune from the Alaskan gold rush to Florida’s real estate boom. ROAD SHOW chronicles their colorful escapades.
The show starts at the death of one of the brothers and goes into flashbacks. From the get go, we understand the life of Addison Mizner, played by Michael Aaron Linder, isn’t being mourned. The ensemble sings a saucy “Waste” recounting the swindling Mizners. An earnest Linder rises from the dead and takes us back in time. Linder and Andrew Rothenberg (Wilson) are goaded to succeed by Larry Adams (Papa). Adams croons his finality with a commanding “It’s in your hands now.” Initially, Linder is a sweet putz to the smarmy Rothenberg. Linder and Rothenberg have an undeniable yet questionable bond. They are tangled by genetics and ambition.
When Linder heads out on a solo effort, he is thwarted at every pass. Under the direction of Gary Griffin, the ensemble sweeps in and out of Linder’s life with perfect pitch and comedic timing. Whether playing the swindler or the swindled, the terrific ensemble brings a playfulness to this dark musical. In particular, McKinley Carter (multiple roles) is hilarious with booze-swilling resignation in “That was a year.” In another number, the gregarious Rothenberg leads the cast delivering a “Boca Raton” jingle with marveling vigor.
Even with these lyrical moments of bounciness, there is an on-going sadness percolating under this musical. Anne Gunn (Mama) sings a beautifully bittersweet “Isn’t he something.” Gunn dismisses Linder by elevating Rothenberg. Sondheim repeatedly illustrates the unkindness of family in his Mizner memorial. The characters’ despicability destroys any chance of likability. I want to root for a hero but it’s hard to identify one. Robert Lenzi (Hollis) and Linder’s charming duet “The best thing that has ever happened” is the closest I ever get to my traditional musical ‘awwwww.’
ROAD SHOW is the long con. The set-up kept me thinking of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope’s “Road” film series. Unlike Crosby & Hope, ROAD SHOW’s mishaps are less frolic, more sobering comedy.
Running Time: One hour and fifty minutes with no intermission
At Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by John Weidman
Directed by Gary Griffin
Musical direction by Michael Mahler
Tuesday, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 7:30pm
Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm
Sundays at 2pm
Wednesdays at 1pm
Thru May 4th
Buy Tickets at www.chicagoshakes.com
Production photo by Liz Lauren