'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for January 25th, 2012

THE LATEST IN UNAUTHORIZED GOSSIP AND BUZZ

FROM THE HEART OF CHICAGO'S SHOWTUNE VIDEO BARS,

AND MUSICAL THEATER NEWS FROM CHICAGO TO BROADWAY

by Paul W. Thompson

Overheard last weekend under the showtune

video screens at Sidetrack and The Call:

We had a treat Monday night! On January 23rd, Sidetrack was the site of a personal appearance by Doyle and Debbie, currently running at the Royal George Cabaret Theatre in “The Doyle And Debbie Show” through March 18, 2012. Bruce Arntson and Jenny Littleton have brought their hit Nashville theatrical entertainment to Chicago in a big way (it opened in mid-October to a bouquet of great reviews), and Sidetrack greeted them warmly as the duo sang three numbers, staying (to my knowledge) in character the whole time they were on the premises. We should all have the talent to write and star in our own show about something we know and love so well, right? Congratulations, you guys! You caught the title of that last, uproarious tongue-twister number, didn’t you? “Fat Women In Trailers.”

The Doyle And Debbie Show

There are only a handful of musicals based in country/western music that most city folk can name. But they’ve all done quite well on our stages lately! Roger Miller’s “Big River” was a hit for the Bohemian Theatre Ensemble, “The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas” did well for Circle Theatre, and just recently, “Pump Boys And Dinettes” packed them in for Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre. Not to be outdone, “Always, Patsy Cline” played recently at the Fox Valley Repertory Theatre, and will play again at the other geographical end of our spectrum, from February 23-April 1, at the Theatre At The Center in Munster, Indiana. Brian Russell (responsible for the long run this show enjoyed at the Apollo Theater in the 1990s) once again directs, and Michelle Duffy stars as the ill-fated country crooner.

http://www.theatreatthecenter.org/

Then there’s “Oklahoma!” No, not a country musical, but one that certainly evokes that brand of music in “Kansas City” and “I Cain’t Say No,” to name just two songs. Well, Lyric Opera Of Chicago has once again reminded us that they will be producing the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic a little over a year from now, as a non-season “add-on” at the end of their 2012-13 season of opera favorites. Hammerstein’s “Show Boat” (as the Mosh Pit mentioned last week) is in rehearsal now for its debut next month as a regular season offering by the now-venerable company. Apparently Kern is ok enough, but Rodgers is a bit much, for the average operagoer. I can understand that. But we still don’t know ANYTHING about this production, as in who’s directing it, conducting it or starring in it! I think it’s the first time it will be seen professionally here since Light Opera Works produced it over four years ago. Please clue us in, Lyric! At least we know that subscribers to next season will get first choice of seats and special pricing for the show.

Lyric Opera's 2012-13 Season Announced