Windy City Playhouse’s Chicago premiere production of Bootycandy evokes impressive laughs from its opening line and never lets the audience stray too far from levity.
The show begins with what at first seems like a simple series of sketches, but it ends up hitting an emotional chord. The characters are brought together and it forms a cohesive theme that will resonate with even the most stubborn audience member.
Autobiographical Bravery
The show is noted to be “about growing up gay and black.” Robert O’Hara directs this production of his own semi-autobiographical play with a delicate touch and obvious understanding. While some scenes seem purposely over-the-top, others make O’Hara’s personal experience heartbreaking and real. At no point are the feelings of each character ambiguous.
This small cast includes some of Chicago’s finest actors. Their comedic timing would certainly be the envy of most actors. They also know, unmistakably, when to take the comedy out. The five cast members each portray multiple roles, which at times, might not be clear since each actor disappears brilliantly inside each character.
Windy City Playhouse’s Unique Production and Atmosphere
Bootycandy is unarguably unique. Windy City Playhouse has done all it can to add to the atmosphere of the play by using its physical space to keep the audience almost on top of the production and, at times, uses the audience itself as a prop. The experience of having this staggeringly funny dialogue wash over you is an experience, whether you enjoy it or not, that will not be forgotten.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
All Photos By: Michael Brosilow
5 out of 5 Stars
Top Pick For: Lovers of Comedy with Meaning
Not recommended for: Children
When:
Runs January 25, 2017 through April 15, 2017
Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30PM
Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00PM
Sundays at 3:00PM
Where
Windy City Playhouse
3014 N. Irving Park Road
Chicago
Tickets:
$15 - $55
Available:
Online at Windy City Playhouse website
By Phone at 773-891-8985
Note: An excerpt of this review appears in Theatre in Chicago.
