As we enter the Broadway Playhouse, we’re greeted by what looks like a vampires lair.
Black cushioned walls with red trim surround the stage.
Lush, red velvet chaise lounges stand on the stage giving the air of posh, upper class living.
Deep red roses sit in a vase, looking like a symbol for desire and temptation.
We’re about to be enveloped into the world of the 90s teenager - rife with lust, love, and rejection. In CRUEL INTENTIONS THE MUSICAL, the world of the original movie comes to life accompanied by a killer soundtrack.
Broadway in Chicago's Teen Drama
Nothing can be more vindictive than a sibling on the warpath. For Kathryn Merteuil and Sebastian Valmont, their step-sibling rivalry is about to be kicked up a notch outside of normal sibling feuds.
Being rich and bored, Kathryn bets Sebastian that he can’t sleep with the new headmaster’s daughter, Annette Hargrove. Having written what is dubbed a “virgin manifesto,” Annette doesn’t seem like the type to fall for Sebastian’s usual playboy tactics. Will Sebastian be able to win the bet with all his charm and good looks? Or is more than one heart going to be broken along the way?
Embrace the 90s
With its roots taken from a 1700s novel, the story of the 90s flick Cruel Intentions could easily translate to any time period. But here with CRUEL INTENTIONS THE MUSICAL, the show fully embraces the 90s time period of the movie and has made this era its calling card.
The costumes are decked out in 90s fashion complete with knee high socks and chokers. Everybody whose anybody has got a flip phone. But what really makes this musical is the soundtrack.
With its jukebox musical structure, the music is only 90s pop songs made to fit within the story structure. So anyone who jammed out to this genre of music will feel right at home.
The Best Intentions From the Cast
In this writer's opinion, this cast feels like they were born to sing this music. They pack an absolute punch with every song and their performances give depth to the musical making it much more than just a recreation of the movie with a 90s soundtrack built in.
Jeffrey Kringer as Sebastian shows his character growth going from womanizer to a man potentially in love with his acoustic version of Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls.
John Battagliese and David Wright have the audience loving their blossoming relationship with their mash-up of I Want It That Way and Bye Bye Bye.
And Taylor Pearlstein shows us all the sides of manipulative Kathryn and has us completely gripped in our seats when she busts out both power anthems I’m Only Happy When It Rains and Bitch.
All the cast makes the songs come alive when they incorporate them into their stories. It makes for great listening and coupled with energetic choreography, it’s is a fun show to watch overall.
CRUEL INTENTIONS is a great fit for those who absolutely love the original movie since you’ll find fellow diehard fans in the audience. Even those who haven’t seen the movie would enjoy this musical if you’re a fan of bands like No Doubt, N’SYNC, TLC, and The Verve. Though if you’re not into either of those or teen dramas, this might not be the best fit for you.
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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
John Battagliese
Richard Crandle
Jeffrey Kringer
Nicole Medoro
Dara Orland
Aramie Payton
Taylor Pearlstein
Brooke Singer
Betsy Stewart
David Wright
CREATIVE
Jordan Ross
Lindsey Rosin
Roger Kumble
Jason Sherwood
Jeanette Oi-Suk-yew
Tilly Grimes
Matt Kraus
Henry Russell Berstein
Zach Spound
Mary Duffe
James Steele
Jennifer Weber
When
Now through April 14, 2019
Tuesdays-Fridays 7:30PM
Saturdays at 2PM and 8PM
Sundays at 2PM and 7:30PM
Where
Broadway Playhouse
175 E Chestnut St.
Chicago, IL 60611
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
