The Fourth Walsh

The Grelley Duvall Show returns with the World Premiere of BEST ACTRESS.

The show starts with a film montage. An eclectic hodgepodge of iconic and obscure clips feature actresses across decades in movie roles or award shows. The mash-up snippets lead into a longer cinematic scene where the Mother Superior is giving instructions to a young nun on a mission. Is this a real reel or parody video? Is this show a drama or comedy? Is Alex Grelle a campy performer or serious actress? The complex answer is Yes!

Grelle debuts another revue for review. He leads this jam-packed tribute to actresses. Grelle hilariously spoofs Sharon Stone’s crotch scene in “Basic Instinct” and the possession of JoBeth Williams in “Poltergeist.” He also does an elegant reenactment of  Holly Hunter in “Piano” and pitch perfect meltdown of Meryl Streep in “Heartburn.” In addition, Grelle plays an unintentionally awkward Elizabeth Berkley in “Showgirls” and an award-winning turn as Nicole Kidman in “The Hours.” Grelle even becomes a sweet giggly Mo Rocca to Ed Jones’ riotous hot-mess-portrayal-of-Kim-Novak in a spoof-tastic CBS Sunday morning segment. And that’s just SOME of the highlights.

Written and conceived by Grelle with Jesse Morgan Young, the variety show is a series of unexpected choices delivered live or filmed. The nonstop action has the energetic Grelle prominently featured as best actress. Even with multiple wig and costume changes, he makes an entrance dancing or singing or riding a horse appear effortlessly nonchalant. Director Kasey Foster masterfully orchestrates this big bundle of creative content. Although Grelle has produced enough stuff for 2-3 shows, Foster squeezes it into this one bursting spectacle. The pacing and timing is impressive. Grelle casually tosses off a wig, a cloak or a child to the wings and Madigan Burke effortlessly catches it.      

This is Grelle’s show yet he is supported by extraordinary talent. From their first note, the Aunt Kelly band didn’t miss a beat. They rocked out to elevate the mood or slowed it down with an evocative ballad. Even though the focus is on actresses, the Oscar goes to Aunt Kelly for Best Score.

And stealing focus consistently was the exquisite dancing by Kara Brody and Darling Shear. For a variety show chocked full of puppets, video clips and Grelle, Brody and Shear held their own with beautiful movements choreographed by Erin Kilmurray and Kasey Alfonso. The entire ensemble (Burke, Brody, Shear, Lolly Extract, Patrick Stengle and Mary Williamson) came ready to entertain. They slap on purple leotards, matching wigs and kick up the fun.

BEST ACTRESS is delightfully overindulgent. Movies, sketches, song, dance, puppets… it’s unapologetically excessive! Grelle makes a strong case that The Grelley Duvall Show should be a weekly series.

Running Time: Two hours and fifteen minutes includes an intermission

At Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division

Written and conceived by Alex Grelle with Jesse Morgan Young

Directed by Kasey Foster

Choreographed by Erin Kilmurray and Kasey Alfonso

Music directed by Aunt Kelly

Performances are:

Thursdays – Saturdays at 8pm

Sundays at 6pm

Thru April 12

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Sarah Elizabeth Larson

For more Chicago theatre information and reviews, please visit Theatre in Chicago