From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Chicago Shakes' 'Play On' Feasts on Love and Jazz
Chicago Shakespeare's 'Play On' blends Duke Ellington's jazz with Shakespearean romance for a vibrant musical feast.
In brief
Chicago Shakespeare's 'Play On' blends Duke Ellington's jazz with Shakespearean romance for a vibrant musical feast. Chicago Shakes' musical 'Play On' combines Duke Ellington's jazz with Shakespearean comedy to create a show where Vy-Man and Duke fall for each other. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Chicago Shakes' 'Play On' Review
Chicago Shakes' musical 'Play On' blends Duke Ellington's jazz with Shakespearean comedy for a vibrant show.
“If music is the food of love, then Chicago Shakes’ buoyant ‘Play On’ is a feast”
Vy-Man Meets Duke Ellington
Vy, an aspiring songwriter, dresses as a man to meet Duke Ellington after learning songwriting is a man’s world.
“She hopes to meet Duke Ellington but learns that songwriting is a man’s world.”
Lady Liv and the Love Triangle
Lady Liv falls for Vy-Man while Vy is smitten with Duke, creating a Shakespearean love triangle.
“By the rules of Shakespearean farce, Lady Liv falls in love with Vy-Man, while Vy is smitten with Duke.”
Duke Ellington's Music
The show features Duke Ellington's songs like 'Mood Indigo' and 'Don’t Get Around Much Anymore'.
“The musical, based on the music of Duke Ellington that borrows its scaffolding from Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “Twelfth Night,” shines with an exceptional cast that delivers show-stopping performances.”
Krystal Joy Brown's Performance
Krystal Joy Brown delivers a time-stopping rendition of 'Mood Indigo' with gorgeous sorrowful phrasing.
“Krystal Joy Brown, who portrays nightclub singer Lady Liv, delivered a time-stopping rendition of the song, with gorgeous sorrowful phrasing and effortless navigation of the melody’s tricky accidentals.”
Shakespearean Allusions
The show includes allusions to Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' and the phrase 'music is the food of love'.
“Shakespeare buffs will recognize several allusions to famous lines from 'Twelfth Night.' You probably already spotted the one in the title, about music as the food of love.”
Musical Excellence
The cast demonstrates exceptional musicianship with solo turns and tight harmonies.
“The level of musicianship among the cast is almost impossibly high, with all the principals capable of solo turns but ready for tight harmony.”
Jukebox Musical Challenges
The show addresses jukebox musical flaws by using Duke Ellington's jazz and Shakespearean comedy.
“The jukebox-musical format of building a show around preexisting tunes has several built-in flaws, all of which 'Play On!' either covers over or skirts impressively.”
Duke Ellington's Catalog
The show features songs like 'I’m Beginning to See the Light' and 'Prelude to a Kiss'.
“Throughout, the cast sprinkles in the songs of the real-life Duke Ellington, including, in addition to those already mentioned, 'I’m Beginning to See the Light,' 'Prelude to a Kiss' and 'It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).'”
The Show's Run
The musical runs through October 18 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
“When: Through Oct. 18 Where: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. Tickets: $55, $135 Information: chicagoshakes.com Run time: 2 hours, 30 minutes, including an intermission”
The Musical's Success
The show's blend of jazz and Shakespearean comedy creates a vibrant musical experience.
“‘Play On!’ is quite a banquet.”
The Final Performance
Krystal Joy Brown stops the show with 'I Ain’t Got Nothin’ but the Blues' after intermission.
“Brown stopped the show a second time after intermission with 'I Ain’t Got Nothin’ but the Blues'.”
The Show's Impact
The musical has been praised for its exceptional cast and seamless integration of jazz and Shakespearean comedy.
“The show shines with an exceptional cast that delivers show-stopping performances.”
What Happens Next
Chicago Shakes' 'Play On' continues to run through October 18, offering audiences a vibrant musical experience.
“The musical runs through October 18 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.”
The headline
Chicago Shakes' musical 'Play On' combines Duke Ellington's jazz with Shakespearean comedy to create a show where Vy-Man and Duke fall for each other.
