Theatre Building Chicago

Theatre Building Chicago celebrates Black History Month with two unique musical performances.  Tap dynamo Savion Glover brings his newest work, "If Trane Wuz Here" to the Belmont Avenue theatre for a limited run February 14-19.  The Tony Award-winning star of Broadway's "Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk," "The Tap Dance Kid" and "Jelly's Last Jam," joins with reg e gaines and Matana Roberts for an evening of dance, poetry and jazz to pay tribute to John Coltrane and other jazz legends.  First performed at Knitting Factory in New York City in 2003, the evening promises to be a raw, improvisational celebration of the spirit that Coltrane and others often sought to invoke.  The result, according to press notes, is 'a meditative tour de force performance that inspires, provokes and cleanses the soul."

"If Trane Wuz Here" is a production of the newly formed arts entity Pure Project, whose mission is "to engage, nurture and empower a new generation of performing artists in America through live performance, workshops and development of new works."  Performances at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W Belmont Avenue, are February 14-18 at 7:00 & 9:00 p.m. and February 19 at 3:00 & 6:00 p.m.  Tickets are $40 and are available by calling the Box Office at (773) 327-5252 or at Ticketmaster.  For more information, visit www.iftranewuzhere.com. 

Opening February 20, Theatre Building Chicago presents the World Premiere of "Josephine Tonight!," a new musical based on the early life of Josephine Baker.  The musical previews February 17-19, and continues through March 26, with performances Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 & 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.  Additional group sales matinees are Wednesdays, February 22, March 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 3:00 p.m.  Tickets are $25-30. 

"Josephine Tonight!" is a ragtime to riches journey from the Jim Crow South to Broadway during the Harlem Renaissance to Paris of the Jazz Age.  The story reveals the relationship of the young Josephine and her laundress mother Carrie, who steers her toward success and then guides her to remember her roots.  The exciting new score goes from swinging ragtime to sultry jazz and gospel-inspired songs as Josephine Baker puts the 'sin back into syncopation."  "Josephine Tonight!" brings this legendary African-American icon alive with her lively personality during a time of dramatic change.

"Josephine Tonight!" is the work of Broadway veterans Wally Harper (Music) and Sherman Yellen (Book and Lyrics), whose "This Fair World" was previously produced by Theatre Building Chicago's Stages festival in 2003.  Mr. Harper, who passed away in October, 2004, was well known as a pianist, musical director and arranger, who shared a 30-year collaboration with singer Barbara Cook.  His many Broadway credits include "Company," "Irene," "Peter Pan," "The Grand Tour," "Brigadoon," "Nine," "A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine," "Grand Hotel," and "My One and Only."  Mr. Yellen was nominated for a Tony Award for his for his libretto for "The Rothschilds," which featured music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick.  He also wrote the libretto to Richard Rodgers' "Rex," and has received two Emmy Awards for his screenplays.

Bringing the work of these estimable gentlemen to the stage is veteran Director Steve Scott and Music Director & Arranger Jon Steinhagen.  The cast features husband and wife team Angela and Michael Ingersoll, along with Wayne Carr, Miche'le Cason, Melanie McCullough, Senuwell Smith, Wynter Spears, LeKeya Stewart and Monique Whittington.  "Josephine Tonight!" is a Theatre Building Chicago studio presentation that focuses on the writing and the performance to give audiences the essence of this new musical.  For additional information about Theatre Building Chicago and its other featured theatre companies, visit www.theatrebuildingchicago.org.

 
Joe Stead
Theatre In Chicago News Contributor Joe Stead has spent over 20 years as a critic, director, designer and performer. His reviews currently appear online at www.steadstylechicago.com.