The Fourth Walsh

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents PLAY ON!

Viola is a songwriter. Her dreams take her to New York where the Duke is king. To meet her idol, Viola disguises herself as a guy. The Duke is impressed by Vy-man and coerces him (Viola) to woo his estranged muse, Lady Liv. Vy-man’s persuasion works too well. Lady Liv falls for him (Viola). Yet, Viola is smitten with the Duke. Meanwhile, Sweets wants Mary, Mary wants to marry, Jester wants two women, CC wants one man and the Reverend is in crushing on Lady Liv. PLAY ON! Is a delirious swirl of romance.    

Director Sheldon Epps conceived this musical inspired by William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and featuring the songs of Duke Ellington. His original production garnered the show Tony Award nominations. After two decades, Epps returns to stage the Shakespearean tale with a newly updated book by Cheryl L. West. Under Epps’ tight direction, West’s witty script and Ellington’s timeless songs, the show is a frothy, fast-paced delight.

Although the premise leans into a man’s world, the actual show belongs to the women. A fast-talking charmer, Hailee Kaleem Wright (Vy) captivates upon arrival. Wright effortlessly and hilariously teeters between over-the-top swagger and in-over-‘his’-head buffoonery. The effervescent Krystal Joy Brown (Lady Liv) commands the stage and attention. At the top of Act 2, Brown comes out bold in “Black Butterfly” and then strips down -literally and figuratively- into a vulnerable and soulful “I ain’t got nothin’ but the blues’. The ladies’ love interests, the magnetic Edred Utomi (Duke) and sweetly obtuse Alan H. Green (Rev), join Wright and Brown in a harmony of hearts longing for The One in “Solitude.”   

This lovefest has plenty to love! The humor blends in perfectly with the score. In one number, Chicago favorite James Earl Jones II (Sweets) scats with the roguish James Harkness (Jester) and a fierce Alanna Lovely (Mary). The trio hilariously try to makeover Green in “It don’t mean a thing.” The uptight Green lets loose with riotous results. In another song, the versatile and savvy Wright schools the band in “Hit me with a note and watch me bounce.” And later, Jones and Harkness lament in the comical duet with “Rocks in my bed.”

The entire cast is terrific! They kick it up and swing it out (choreographer Edgar Godineaux) while dressed to the nines (Costume Designer An-Lin Dauber). The razzle-dazzle is accentuated by the music direction of Theodis Rodgers Jr. leading the smooth and spirited Ellington tribute.

PLAY ON! amuses at every angle. The joyful vibe generates a happy ending and an irrepressible smile. In the mood for love and laughs? Definitely PLAY ON!   

Running Time: Two hours and thirty minutes includes an intermission

The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier

Inspired by Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”

Conceived by Sheldon Epps

Book by Cheryl L. West

Music by Duke Ellington

Directed by Sheldon Epps

Music direction by Theodis Rodgers Jr.

Tuesdays Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7pm

Wednesday at 1pm

Saturdays Sundays at 2pm

October 18

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Kyle Flubacker

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