Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents ROME SWEET ROME.
Caesar rules! His military prowess and ambitious calculus has garnered Rome and himself riches and power. Lately, his governing style has shifted from democracy to dictatorship. He’s forced the government to name him ‘Emperor for Life.’ He’s also erected a huge statue to himself of himself. And if that wasn’t bad enough, he has recently banned all carbs. Although the people may love him, the Senate now want Caesar dead … and bread!
The Q Brothers Collective (GQ, JQ, Jax and POS) create and direct a madcap adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar.” This total original ‘Add-Rap-Tation is fast, furious and hilarious! Throughout the performance, I kept thinking I need to see this again. The jokes are rapid-fire and I missed many because I was laughing too hard. The original Q Brothers, GQ and JQ, plus ensemble regulars, Postell Pringle and Jackson Doran have formed the Q Brothers Collective. The QBC, in collaboration with Edward Hall and Ericka Ratcliff, dusted off a classic, fused it with hip-hop and made it uproariously relevant. It’s so fricking clever!
The entire ensemble is sublime. They’ve got the moves, the voices and the comedy chops! They are crushing it in Rome! A delightfully pompous Caesar (played by POS) brags about his endowments while making nonsensical demands. An earnest Brutus (played by Victor Musoni) struggles with tyranny but then fully abuses his intern (played by Janyce Caraballo). Musoni and Maya Vinice Prentiss sizzle in a sexy number about working the system yet later Jonathan Shaboo (Cash) fires him up for a coup. The ongoing set-ups are cyclical, farcical, relatable, fantastical… and bread!
A QBC production is usually all about the guys. This one had strong lady parts. Danielle Davis (Casca) is a standout leading a song about her bread obsession. Davis channels her inner preacher in her powerhouse singing about sandwiches. She even gets -literally- in the faces of Shaboo and Musoni in zany coercion antics. Bri Sudia (Purney) is hysterical sharing her prophesy. She laments to a dazed POS as the ensemble dance out the dream sequence. Multiple flash-mob-like numbers level-up the entertainment value especially at the Halloween fundraiser.
Don’t worry even though GQ is missing from the stage, JQ, also serving as composer, and JAX join POS in performing. They morph into multiple parts and even play the witty Mr. And Mrs. Cicero, diner owners serving up bread on the DL. The QBC have brought their high-energy innovation back to Chicago.
The government shut down. Generals are being fat-shamed. Trump is putting his face on a coin. It’s ridiculous!! ROME SWEET ROME is here to make you laugh at the lunacy. This. Is. The. ESCAPE! Leave the U.S., go to ROME! The 90 minute stress-relieving giggle-fest is uplifting! This show is so damn funny!!
Running Time: Ninety minutes with no intermission
At Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier
Based on William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”
Created and directed by the Q Brothers Collective (GQ, JQ, JAX and POS)
Composed by Jeffrey “JQ” Qaiyum
Performances are:
Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Thru October 19
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Kyle Flubacker
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