Just saw the Chicago premiere of Head Over Heels. For those who missed the earlier threads it's a modern gender-queer take on a 16th century sex farce set to the music of the 1980's group The Gogos. If you've seen As You Like It or Midsummer Night's Dream it's easy enough to follow the logic of the story.
It was considered too slight for Broadway but a $25 ticket in a 100 seat house felt ideal. The leads belt and clown, the sexy chorus dances up a storm and it's great fun to see such a broad range of gender and sexual identities presented without comment.
The weak point for me was the music. I arrived unfamiliar with the Gogos and left with no real appreciation for their songs. Each was arranged with the same bounce and bark style. I'd have liked to have heard at least one dialed down to a soft ballad rather than a belty showcase. In fact I'd have almost preferred to have cut the music and seen that most unprofitable of things... a comic play!
The flexible cast size and breezy material should lend itself easily to regional theaters. I'll be curious to read about the productions that pop up over the next few months.
I'll report back later this month on Actor's Express' production in Atlanta. Their ad campaign has included a Pop Up Video parody and replicating Go-Go's album covers. If there's any Southern company I trust with this show, it's them.
The Chicago production has now extended until September 8. Tickets on Goldstar for $28. Is this worth seeing? Will be in Chicago for my first time ever, staying in the Loop area, & not renting a car because all the advice I get is not to. Is Theater Wit in a safe area to travel to via public transit?
inception said: "The Chicago production has now extended until September 8. Tickets on Goldstar for $28. Is this worth seeing? Will be in Chicago for my first time ever, staying in the Loop area, & not renting a car because all the advice I get is not to. Is Theater Wit in a safe area to travel to via public transit?"
So saw this tonight in Chicago. This was a very amateur production, but they all performed to their best. Unfortunately, this us a terrible show, with an awful book in pseudo - Shakespearean language. I'm surprised that it is being scheduled by other more pro theatre companies - like Seattle's Arts West which is going to do it this fall. I am surprised something this bad lasted as long as it did last year on bway. Easily one of the worst shows ever written. No shade on the people performing here in Chicago, they definitely gave it their all - but most looked like they were barely out of theatre school, so good on them for getting hired for a show. Also I now see that this was in a very chi-chi neighborhood. Actually Chicago has blown away my expectations on this trip, the city has such a bad reputation but it actually is very safe and at this time of year, very green & beautiful.
joined:11/12/13
joined:
11/12/13
Posted: 7/7/19 at 8:51pm