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Reviews by Ericka Du Lac

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Drury Lane Oakbrook Now Showing

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"SINGING IN THE RAIN"

James Zager, Tammy Mader and Michael Ehlers

"Singing in the Rain" is a wonderful treat to anyone desiring fine acting, excellent dance, and wonderful staging.  This play was a real treat to view.  I am most sure that Donald O'Connor and Gene Kelley are attending in spirit each performance.  Michael Ehlers playing Don Lockwood does more than justice to the role, his dancing, singing, and acting are more than top notch.  Charma Ward, playing Lina Lamont, is a thrill to see in her role.  Her comedy and composure in all scenes is a feat of joy.  James Zager, as Cosmo Brown, is truly incredible.  His antics on stage, his dancing, his acrobatics are first rate.  Tammy Mader, as Kathy Selden, is a delight.  Her voice is clear, sweet, and each note on the mark. Our friend Bob Romeo, as the director is perfect for the part.  We are of the opinion though that Bob could play any part that he wished with equal grace.  The way in which the sets flow from scene to scene and what is accomplished on the stage is well worth your time and money.  Performances run until August 1, 1999.  Call Today and reserve some seats.
Photos by Greg Kolack
Michael Ehlers is a Master in the Role

The Drury Lane Box office can be reached at 630-530-0111
TicketMaster outlets at    312-902-1500
Group Sales    630-530-8300

Brad Hoffman, Sean Allan Krill and Sean Blake______Sean Allan Krill and Heidi Kettenring

Photos by Greg Kolack

CLOSED

Drury Lane Does Another Fine Production

This play shall be running from March 17 until May 9, 1999.  I saw this play when it first came out too many years ago to think about now. Andrew Lloyd Weber at 23 did the music for this fine Rock opera.  Tim Rice did the lyrics.  The sets for this production are wonderful.  From an artistic point of view worth the price of admission just to see the scene changes.  Thanks to Kurt Sharp for his fine work here.  The dance numbers choreographed by James Zager were wonderful.  It helps if you know something about the history of Christ in following the play.  The artistic director was Ray Frewen, the lighting was done by Shannon McKinney.  The feel of the play is wonderfully orchestrated to bring out the best.  This is a fun play to experience and the price as always is a deal.
 

The Drury Lane Box office can be reached at 630-530-0111
TicketMaster outlets at    312-902-1500
Group Sales    630-530-8300

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     In this highly recommended play, the Cleveland Grand Opera imports a famed tenor from Italy to celebrate their tenth anniversary.  This tenor, Tito, played by Bob Romeo, brings with him his wife and all the confusion of a doting audience and the eccentricities of an artist.   This light comedy keeps you guessing while Max, the theater go-fer, played by Paul Slade Smith,  proves he can make bells ring for his girlfriend.  The General Manager, played by Dale Benson, does a superb job of trying to keep all the pieces from falling apart.  It’s a delightful mixed up story with an all’s well that ends well conclusion.

     Benson is a regular at Drury Lane and his humor and perfection to detail really let the characters of Max and Tito shine.  Smith and Romeo are also returnees to Drury Lane.  Ray Frewen directs this eight member cast in this Tony Awarded script.

     “Lend Me a Tenor” will run through March 7, 1999 with eight performances each week.  Tickets range from $19 to $25 and dinner theater packages start at $30.50.  Call (630) 530-0111 for times and availability.  Drury Lane Theater is located just off Roosevelt Road in Oak Brook Terrace. Parking is convenient and free.
 
 

Quick vignettes of song, dance and prose flow one into the next. A delightful variety of musical genre and dance and other visual styles provide a feast for ear and eye. The ensemble voices are excellent and renew my faith in Village Player’s ability to produce musicals.  Costume and set are at a minimum and work well this way.
     Director Kibler states that “ “Godspell” is far from dated.  It is a contemporary piece begging to have fresh life breathed into it.”  Kibler and the cast have successfully infused an uplifting and enthusiastic life into this piece.  Minor problems with projection and enunciation will certainly be corrected as the play runs its’ course.
     Village Players Theater is located at 1006 Madison Street in Oak Park, easily accessible by car, train or bus.  “Godspell” runs through February 6 and tickets are $14 adults/$10 students, seniors.  Every seat in house is excellent.  Tickets or subscriptions can be ordered through
(708) 222-0369.