Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre presents THE MOST HAPPY FELLA Review – Beautiful Operetta

Theo Ubique - THE MOST HAPPY FELLA
William Roberts as Tony

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre Transforms Small Space

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre creates a beautiful and lush environment inside a miniscule space. If you ever wanted to know what a brilliant group of creative people could produce inside your apartment, this is the show to see.

Simple plot and beautiful music

The plot is based on romance and mistaken identity, emphasis on the romance. It’s a basic romantic comedy dressed up as a full operetta.  The music is catchy, but not in a pop music way. The melodies are alluring and the lyrics are simple. You will be humming on your way out.

Theo Ubique - THE MOST HAPPY FELLA
Molly Hernandez and William Roberts
Theo Ubique - THE MOST HAPPY FELLA
Ken Singleton and William Roberts

THE MOST HAPPY FELLA keeps the audience smiling

Since this production is in such a small area, the audience members are visible to each other. At no point during this production do smiles fade. The word “delightful” is often thrown around in reviews but it is quite apt in this situation. The reasons differ, but each scene, song, and subplot finds a way to keep everyone in good spirits.

Mix of opera and belting

Each cast member has a remarkable voice. It is difficult to choose stand-outs, but Courtney Jones and Joe Giovannetti steal the show with their charming relationship. Jones’ voice is stunning and Giovannetti is almost TOO adorable as a hopelessly tenderhearted, trusting soul.  William Roberts, as the title “fella” has a voice that will literally shake you if he stands near you. It is something to behold.

Do not let the “opera” voice scare you away. If you don’t like opera but love musical theatre, you will still love this show.  The more operatic singing is superbly accessible to the opera novice.

Joe Giovannetti and Courtney Jones
Theo Ubique - THE MOST HAPPY FELLA
L-R: Jonathan Wilson, Molly Hernandez, Roy Brown, Erik Dohner

Small Space, Big Production

Since the space is minimal, the team behind the show needs to be creative. The set is minimal, so lighting design becomes crucial. James Kolditz creates moods and settings with lighting that speak for themselves. The simple changing of a light quality and maybe adding a bench completely alters the show. Observing the actors moving around and obtaining props from clever hiding places gives the show an added layer. The audience becomes privy to the process behind the production.

All Photos by Adam Veness

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Top Pick For: Musical Theatre lovers
Not recommended for: Musical Theatre haters

 

This play has been added to the Picture this Post roundup of BEST PLAYS.  Click here to find this and more at "Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves".

 

Note: An excerpt of this play appears in Theatre in Chicago.

When:

March 10 - May 7, 2017

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays 7:30PM
Sundays 7:00PM

Where:

No Exit Cafe
6970 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago

Tickets:

Thursdays & Sundays $34
Fridays & Saturdays $39
*$4 Discount for Students and Seniors
Dinner (optional) is $25 additional. Advance reservations required.

Online at www.theo-u.com

By phone at 800-595-4849

Molly Hernandez and William Roberts
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