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Dear World
Music & Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Book by Jerome Lawrence & Robert E. Lee
Based on “The Madwoman of Chaillot” by Jean Giraudoux
As adapted by Maurice Valency
Directed by Bob Knuth
Choreographed by Kevin Bellie
Musical Direction by Carolyn Brady-Riley
At Circle Theatre
7300 W. Madison
Forest Park, IL
Call 708-771-0700, tickets $24
Fridays & Saturdays at 8 PM
Sundays at 3 PM
Special Thursdays at 8 PM Feb 16, 23 & Mar 2
Running time is 2 hours with intermission
Through March 5, 2006
Dear World is a sweet and daft musical rarity
Circle Theatre is getting good at mounting worthy revivals of failed Broadway musicals. In their latest, Dear World, they offer a cute, well sung and danced version of Jerry Herman’s failed chamber piece musical of Giraudoux’s The Madwoman of Chaillot absurdist farce.. Strapped with a weak book from a bland translation that never reaches the level of sharp satire and biting farcical tones of the original, Dear World takes some patience to appreciate. But once we adjust, director Bob Knuth’s show has enough style, nice voices to balance the surreal absurdist scenes. Some of the wacky scenes are funny and some come off as just plain silly. It’s Lawrence and Lee’s book to blame.
From Knuth’s clever set that unfolds to maximize Circle’s intimate stage with a late 1940’s look, Dear World sports a terrific ensemble led by the Countess Aurelia, The Madwoman of Chaillot (Anita Hoffman full of charm, optimism and singing up a storm). Having the villains as almost clown figures is campy and surreal. John Milewski (the President), Michael R. Sherman (the Lawyer) and Kevin Bishop (the Prospector) combine to land Herman’s Broadway style dance numbers, “Just A Little Bit More” and “The Spring of Next Year.” These three were a hoot.
Anita Hoffman, as the madwoman, is in full command here. From her opening number, “Through The Bottom Of The Glass” we realize that is charming optimist is daft but endearing.
Dressed in early 20th Century loud dresses (costume design by Elizabeth Shaffer) the Countess together with the wacky Constance (Sara Minton in a funny turn) and Gabrielle (Mary Redmon) who is always petting her imaginary dog, these three are determined to save humanity from the evil corrupt corporate types who are determined to destroy Paris in search for oil beneath the city.
With the help of Julian (the handsome, boyish Eric Lindahl) and the café’s folks and the local rookie cop (Cory Fowkes), the Countess has help saving Paris. Filled with a vintage Jerry Herman score rich in ballads, marches and anthems and Kevin Bellie’s innovative and original dances, Dear World ultimately satisfies. It is a fluff piece rich in sweetness and warmth and some silly humor but the talented cast, nice visuals and bouncy score offer a feel-good musical sure to delight. Anita Hoffman was terrific. Kudos to Circle Theatre for selecting this rare enchanting piece.
Recommended
Tom Williams
tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago Radio show
This show is eligible for a C.S.T. Non-Equity Theatre Award
January 29, 2006
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