Apollo Theater’s “The Choir of Man”/Photo: Michael Brosilow
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Ah, the local pub, where men from all walks of life get together to drink copious amounts of beer, recite poetry, conduct sing-alongs and woo women through balladic serenades and bodacious booty-shaking. On second thought…
“The Choir of Man” at Apollo Theater takes place in “The Jungle,” a most unordinary fictional pub where burly blokes dance and sing. Creator and director Nic Doodson states in the program, “It isn’t only about the drinking, nor is it about the singing… It’s about the pleasure of being in the same place at the same time as the people you love.” Despite the flimsy premise of “guys in a bar,” the sense of macho camaraderie, live instrumental music and the high quality of the talent on stage will win you over.
There’s no narrative per se. The focus is on the bright vocals and lovable personalities of the all-male cast, who cycle through pop hits that span genres, including Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” alt-rock Eagle-Eye Cherry’s “Save Tonight” and Katy Perry’s pop anthem, “Teenage Dream.”
Audiences should arrive early to grab a pint on stage, poured by one of the actors from a tap behind a long cherrywood bar enshrined under photos, banners and rows of bottles. Interactions with the performers are not limited to the pre-show, and cast members will regularly bring pints of beer to enthusiastic audience members—some lucky patrons are even invited on stage to take part in the shenanigans.
Apollo Theater’s “The Choir of Man” with Shane McDaid (center)/Photo: Michael Brosilow
Each character is an archetype. David Shute is the hopeless romantic forever falling in love. RJ Griffith is a rough, tough, muscle-bound “hard man” from Chicago. Ifan Gwilym-Jones is the “Maestro,” a world-class pianist who gave up a career in classical music to drink and hang with his buddies. Norton James is the “Beast,” a flannel-wearing, broad-chested bear of a man (and is also the main booty-shaker). The heart of the group is Shane McDaid, a poet who interjects passionate soliloquies and amiable aphorisms. Several lovable characters round out the ensemble, shedding toxic traits of masculinity to focus on the positive aspects of the brotherhood of men.
While choreography by Freddie Huddleston has the ensemble performing energetic dancing suitable for “singers that move,” a standout is George Knapper, a tap dancer who takes several opportunities to improvise in the hoofing style. During Paul Simon’s “Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover,” he does a flatfoot buck dance on the floor, paradiddles atop a stack of crates and shuffle grab offs on a high table. If you are a fan of tap, Knapper’s performance is a highlight of the season.
And these fellas can sing! An a cappella barbershop rendition of Sia Furler’s “Chandelier” had tender tenor melodies intertwining with a bombastic baritone foundation to create a superb harmonic experience—they could have ended the show there to a standing ovation, but there was even more fun to be had.
Lovable characters, great singing, live music, audience interaction—“The Choir of Man” takes the mythology of the English pub and invigorates it with a cast of men who are not afraid to sing their hearts out. It’s such a good time that you may ask for another round.
“The Choir of Man” runs through May 26 at Apollo Theater, 2550 North Lincoln. Tickets start at $35 at apollochicago.com.
