Although the 1967 film is a silly and trivial affair with a couple of so-so tunes and a humorous sight gag or two, that mediocre film featuring Julie Andrews, Mary Tyler Moore and Carol Channing is a masterpiece compared to this overlong, misconceived mess of a musical that is loosely based on the film. At a time when tuneful Broadway scores are seemingly a dime a dozen, the new songs here are truly dreadful and are repeated ad nauseum. And if that weren’t enough, there are Asian stereotypes such as dropped r’s and even the minstrel show anthem “Mammy” sung in Chinese! The libretto is endlessly chatty and insignificant, the dancing contrived and uninvolved, the acting, chemistry and comic timing awkward. And the thing just never seems to end. As one who enjoys Marriott usually first-rate productions, I confess bewilderment as to this choice of material combined with such a lackluster execution. (Dennis Polkow)
Marriott Theatre and Resort, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire (847)634-0200. $42-$45. Through April 23.
Not Without A Fight: A Review of "Relentless" at TimeLine Theatre Though the characters in "Relentless" are educated and well-to-do, they are far from reserved in world view—their rage seethes, hidden only by the comfort of their surroundings and the decorum of their lives.
Let’s See Together: A Review of "Choir Boy" at Steppenwolf Theatre Among other compelling reasons to see "Choir Boy" is the power and musicianship on songs sung by the young men who play the students in the choir at the Black, Christian Charles R. Drew School for Boys.
