Posted: 6/3/19 at 1:38am
Giving this show its own thread. It was mentioned in others but I think the reviews for this show are going to be incredible.
I just saw this show tonight and HOLY CRAP. This is a play unlike anything I have ever seen.
First things first: GET THERE EARLY. There is a full blown pre-show that starts at least 30 min before the show.
The play it self was moving, thought provoking and immersive.
It's staged on a runway with chairs and tables all around and then audience seats. We sat in the normal audience but there is not a bad seat in the house (thanks to Landau's masterful directing). It really just depends on the experience you want to have and how much looking up you may want to have (as there are chairs surrounding the runway).
The text (which I'm informed is being changed daily because it's in previews) is excellent. It does tell the story of the first drag queen presidential candidate but is more about how power, marginalization and oppression. The show is a play but has elements of drag, music performance and audience participation. The 4th wall is non-existant. If it was the show would seem voyeuristic. Because it doesn't exist, you are on the journey with the cast and exploring this narrative.
The entire cast is fantastic! It was a treat to see McCraney. I didn't realize he wrote Choir Boy and Moonlight was based off his work. He was incredible. He was LIVING this character and not acting it. It felt so raw at times.
That being said, Sawyer Smith STOLE THE SHOW.
They didn't have much but each time they were on was incredible. They had two numbers, at one point they come on as David Bowie singing Starman. The other they sing Queen's The Show Must Go On in a power falsetto dressed as uncle sam in drag. It was unbelievable.
The rest of the cast is fantastic. Molly Brennan is a gem of the Chicago theatre community and everyone else stands out.
Tina Landau's directing is masterful. The show is able to be immersive and interactive but knows it's boundaries and never crosses them.
I could see this being a yearly event at Steppenwolf for pride.
