Brown Paper Box Co. Presents THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG Review

Simple Plot Focuses on Journey of Falling in Love

The story focuses on a renowned songwriter named Vernon and his new collaborator, Sonia. They meet while working together and fall in love. There are, of course, obstacles. All the conventions of the modern romantic comedy are present here. Plus the audience is treated to a beautiful score by Marvin Hamlisch and Carole Bayer Sager.

The story may be conventional, but the joy of watching the love unfold is anything but stale. Vernon and Sonia are opposites who cannot seem to get enough of each other. If you enjoy movies like When Harry Met Sally… The Notebook or Notting Hill, you will love this show.

Brown Paper Box Co. Shines With Intimacy

The space is well suited for this small, intimate show. Since the entirety of the cast only includes Vernon, Sonia and human manifestations of aspects of their minds, a cozy venue is perfect. No audience member is ever more than a few steps away from the action. This makes you feel a part of this tumultuous, yet endearing relationship. Moments of sweetness move seamlessly into outbursts of frustration, and we are always part of it.

Dan Gold portrays Vernon with brilliant neuroses. His vocal talent is clearly bigger than this room but chooses a more gentle and realistic approach when giving voice to these beautiful songs. Carmen Risi makes you fall in love with Sonia right along with Vernon. She is vivacious, funny and sweet. The ensemble really brings the comedy and mood to this piece. Representing things like “ego,” “skepticism” and “soul,” these actors rarely have actual lines but manage to make the audience laugh and heighten the emotion of any given scene.

The show is dripping with human emotion and will certainly make everyone remember the feeling of falling in love, getting hurt, and not being able to get someone out of our mind.
It has all the ingredients for a perfect theatre date night.

Photos by Zach Dries

Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of BEST PLAYS IN CHICAGO, where it will remain until the end of the run. Click here to read — Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves.