Striped sailor shirts, sea shanties, gold doubloons, and the legend of a great white whale…
Who would have thought the great American novel Moby Dick, could be turned into a musical? And what’s more, a comedy no less! Taking Robert Langden’s work based on Herman Melville’s classic, we’re about to be taken on a journey into the musical world of whaling.
The Cuckoo Project Takes To the High Seas
The students at St. Godley’s School are in grave financial danger - the school is out of money and they need a fundraiser to make some quick cash. Luckily, a student has written MOBY DICK THE MUSICAL that they can perform and hopefully raise some cash to save the school.
The saving-the-school part is a minor detail here as the students, the headmistress, the security guard, and even the janitor join forces to put on this jaunty musical following goody-two shoes Ishmael and the infamous Captain Ahab on his quest to hunt his white whale.
School Gym Turned Whaling Ship
Since MOBY DICK has a play within a play structure (which, if you’re a fan of those, be sure to check out our review of The Mystery of Edwin Drood also playing), not only does the Heartland Studio need to transform into a school gym, but then that school gym needs to transform into a whaling ship on the ocean!
As the show begins, we’re greeted by a scuffed basketball court, backpacks lining the wall, and students clad in classic starched white shirts and plaid jumpers. But as soon as the opening tune of their staged musical hits, the school gym becomes the Pequod with makeshift rigging, crows nests, and whaling boats. The design of the set by Shannon Melick is creative, in this writer’s view, as it works on the meta-theatrical level to make us believe we’re watching a school play as they put on their own show.
Call Me Fishmael
MOBY DICK THE MUSICAL is nothing without its music hall style performance complete with running gags and a headmistress in drag. The cast hams it up throughout the entire performance and hits their comedic punches hard, making sure the audience never misses a joke. When each of the schoolgirls has their moment, they give it their all to get those laughs from the audience.
Of course what else could you expect when their headmistress is the pinnacle of over the top acting. Headmistress, played by Peter Ruger, is playing the obsessive and crazed Captain Ahab. But even as Ahab, Ruger never lets us forget he is also the headmistress with a flair for the dramatics, complemented by his bright pink captain’s hat and coat.
Together, the cast makes a 600 page dramatic novel snappy and punchy. MOBY DICK THE MUSICAL is an especially good pick for anyone who likes comedic musicals that call for over the top and high energy performances. It might not be the best fit for those looking for a larger scale production or a more serious show.
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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.
CAST:
Peter Ruger
Allison Ristaino
Alexandra Cross
Kelsey Skomer
Samie Jo Johnson
Ophelia Harkness
Thomas Tong
Marc James
Tina-Kim Nguyen
Hannah Simpson
CREATIVE:
Donald Kolakowski
Anthony Benz
Melissa Golden
Shannon Melick
Rocco Renda
Alex Avery
Oriana Dentici
Amy Skrodzki
When:
Now through December 1, 2018
Fridays-Saturdays at 8:00pm
Sundays at 3:00pm
Additional performances are on Thursday November 1st at 8pm, Thursday November 29th at 8pm, and Saturday December 1st at 3pm
Where:
Heartland Studio
7016 N Glenwood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60626
Tickets:
$30
Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 312.882.8201 or visiting The Cuckoo’s Theatre Project website
Photos Oomphotography
Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago
About the Author
Alexis is a theater reviewer, travel bug, media specialist, and burger & beer enthusiast. During the day she works in the advertising business as a senior communications designer. When night falls, or when she can escape to New York, she’s hitting the theaters to see as many shows as she can. And whenever she’s not at her desk or in the audience, she’s out seeking the best burger and beer offerings in Chicago.
Editor's Note: Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Alexis Bugajski
