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Village Players Performing Arts Center Presents:
LOVE IN THE MIDDLE AGES:
A World Premiere Musical Comedy
book and lyrics by Scott Urban and music by Robert Solone
A fun musical premiere, the kind of new innovative work
we applaud Village Players for bringing to us. There are
times when the flow resembles a pilot for a television
sitcom, and others like a musical Eugene O'Neill play, but
on the lighter side. There is a little something for everyone,
serious issues, topical views, staged with a good amount of
musical motivation to get the bar patrons singing and dancing (it is a musical).
The tunes are mellow, retro, and timely. The themes are agesless, love doesn't change its manner or taste too much,
even over millions of years. This musical tale is peppered with some spicy language here and there and even some
latin swearing, and you won't get that unless you were in
the good old past Middle Ages (5th century to the 16th century).
A good group of characters of varied backgrounds and
experiences, each with their own story and drama, set to music and showing boomers forgetting their bromide and hitting the booze, and you don't need a designated driver when you're on stage.
The author and actor, Scott Urban has a nice powerful
voice and reminded me of a Jackie Gleason who can sing
and bring serious drama to the stage at the same time.
It is an adult play covering many episodes of life, love, lust,
and with a fine musical score by Chicago's much loved pianist
Robert Solone.
The sets were wonderful, lighting excellent, fun songs, great
acting in a light musical drama that Neil Simon would like.
"It's always the quiet ones." and "Today's music is crap."
Come and see what they're talking about.
author Scott
Urban as Brad
Jeff Jones as Larry
Guy
Klinzing as Joe
Danon Dastugue as Sarah
Joanna Riopelle as Ronnie
Michelle
McKenzie-Voigt as Nancy
Mary Hobein as Donna
Jeny Wasilewski as Jennifer
Patrick Tierney as Chip
Sarah Pitard as Tiffany
Michelle
McKenzie-Voight. as the understudy for Donna
set designer Bill Jenkins
lighting designer Alec Bernstein
costume designer Gintare Jaloveckaite
prop master Cassie Soliday
sound designer John List
stage manager Rebecca Miles-Steiner.
Village Players Performing Arts Center Presents:
LOVE IN THE MIDDLE AGES:
A Baby Boomers Guide to Love and Sex
A World Premiere Musical Comedy
Oak Park, Il –It's the Dating Game for all those over 40! Join Jennifer as she discovers single people from her parent's generation struggling with many of the same problems she does today. Whether you're a Baby Boomer or the offspring of one, this show brings all our similarities and differences into focus.
Based in part on author Scott Urban's own life, he had the inspiration to write the musical in 2000 when he found himself living with two other single middle-aged guys, and later invited composer friend Robert Solone to work with him. In development since 2003, Love in the Middle Ages has previously been seen in showcases at the Schaumburg Public Library, the Mercury Theatre, and the Chicago Cultural Center for enthusiastic, standing room crowds.
Director Jason A. Fleece, an alumnus of the MFA Directing program at DePaul University, is especially looking forward to working on this production, "I was particularly attracted to this play because my two favorite things to work on as a director are new play development and musicals--this is the first time I've had the opportunity to do both at the same time, so it's exciting on both of those levels."
Love in the Middle Ages features book and lyrics by Scott Urban and music by Robert Solone, both Chicago writers, and was based on a concept by Urban and Patricia Rataj. A member of the Chicago Cabaret Professionals, Urban has been seen around the city as an actor, singer, and songwriter. Solone is well-known classical and jazz pianist, having appeared in clubs all over Chicago (East Bank Club, Chicago Chop House), Las Vegas (MGM Grand, Caesar's Palace), and New York (Carnegie Recital Hall). He is also an accomplished composer, with numerous classical works and other recordings to his name. For more, see: www.bobsolone.com.
In addition to the writers and director Fleece (Winner of Outstanding Production & Direction at the Pittsburgh New Works Festival 2003), the show will feature musical direction by Tyler Beattie. A recent graduate of Northwestern University, he directed the 66th annual Dolphin Show Carousel and was named one of Northwestern's Seniors to Watch: Stars in the Making by the Northwestern University Alumni Magazine.
The cast includes author Scott Urban, Jeff Jones and Guy Klinzing—both direct from Village Players' acclaimed production of The Full Monty, as well as Danon Dastugue, Joanna Riopelle, Brandelynn Turner, Mary Hobein, Jeny Wasilewski, Patrick Tierney, Sarah Pitard, and understudy Michelle McKenzie-Voight.
The production team also includes choreographer Christopher Pazdernik (VP's The Full Monty), set designer Bill Jenkins (professor at Dominican University), lighting designer Alec Bernstein, costume designer Gintare Jaloveckaite (VP's You Never Can Tell), prop master Cassie Soliday (VP's The Full Monty), sound designer John List (VP's Technical Director), and stage manager Rebecca Miles-Steiner.
Love in the Middle Ages previews August 21 and runs from August 22 – September 21, 2008. Show times are 8 PM for all Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays, and 3 PM for all Sundays. Tickets for regular performances are $25 for adults and $20 for Students & Seniors. All tickets for previews are $15..
The August 28th performance is a special Theatre Thursdays event, presented in partnership with the League of Chicago Theatres. An hour prior to the performance will be a small reception featuring a preview from The Medium at Large, the next production at Village Players and another World Premiere. Following the show, Theatre Thursday patrons will be part of a special Q&A session with the authors of Love in the Middle Ages. Tickets for this special event are $30.
Presented in the Mainstage Theatre of the newly renovated Village Players Performing Arts Center located at 1010 W. Madison, Oak Park, IL. Plenty of parking is available on the street. The theatre is handicap accessible; please call ahead to arrange for special seating. Tickets available at www.village-players.org or by calling 866-764-1010.
Village Players Performing Arts Center offers an eclectic mix of
entertainment
that empowers and inspires while exploring the human condition.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.
published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.