Theater Review: Crowns

Crowns - A Crown-ing Achievement!

By Dwayne T. Lawrence
Dwayne@so-LAZE.com

Crowns, the high octane, gospel infused play written and directed by the legendary Regina Taylor was a rousing good time at the Goodman Theatre.  The music was off the chain, under the direction of Fred Carl.  Hand clapping, foot stomping, and dancing in your seat to the soulful rhythms of a talented cast was an inevitable and predictable response.  I missed church on Sunday, but on Monday (Opening Night), Crowns delivered a rip-roaring sermon sufficient to make anyone a believer!

[caption id="attachment_1185" align="alignright" width="240"] Mother Shaw and Yolanda[/caption]

The story is relevant to current times, telling of a young girl Yolanda (Marketta P. Wilder) from Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood.  Recently, Yolanda experienced the death of her beloved brother to gun violence on the mean streets. Her mother, in a desperate attempt to save her remaining child, sends Yolanda to live with her grandmother, Mother Shaw (Felicia D. Fields) in Darling, South Carolina.  Generations collide when the hip-hopish teenager meets the genteel, boisterous, church going matriarch of the family.

As is typical in most African-American families, Mother Shaw is backed-up by a host of surrogate mavens who lend their wisdom, experience and powerful voices to help Yolanda stay on the right path.  One of the most intriguing aspects of the play from the outset was the transcendence of time across generations and historical references that connect the audience, committing the audience to believe that these believable characters are in fact part of their own crazy family.  We all have a Mother Shaw in our lives, who sacrifices her life to be the anchor, the supportive matriarch who comes when she is called and nurtures everyone back to health.  The inter-weaving of stories made this play profoundly enjoyable because the transitions from past to present engages the audience and gives further definition to all the nuanced relationships.  Crowns was wrought with symbolism and laced with the teachings of values illustrated by the type of hat and attitude with which it is worn.  The rich music and powerful voices of the cast help to define the spirit and purposeful direction.  Simple lessons to be used in everyday life become more pronounced through the meaning of hats and their importance in everyday interactions.

Crowns, is truly worth seeing!  The intertwining of gospel tunes and hip-hop mesh and highlight the differences between generations and act as a constant reminder that despite these differences, music can help us relate in special and unique ways.  “Our crowns are bought and paid for, all we have to do is wear them,” and well they did in this crowning achievement!

Crowns is extended through August 12, 2012.  Ticket prices are $29-88.  View more theater listings!

SunSpots: Jamaica Farewell!

 

Jamaica Farewell Fared Well!

Stephanie!
Soleil@so-LAZE.com

Mention Soleil's To-Dos for HALF PRICE tix to Jamaica Farewell on Mother's Day at 4pm! Email Suzanne Murphy (murphysuz@yahoo.com) to confirm your seat!

You'd usually expect a one-person show to be driven by the performer's celebrity status or local following.  Yet, Jamaican-born, Los Angeles-domiciled Debra Ehrhardt jumped on in and won the hearts of her audience on opening night!

Jamaica Farewell is based on Debra's true story of longing to escape Jamaica for America and her journey, which included love, loss, smuggling and a run for her life!  The performance got off to a late start (no worries, mon - it's Jamaican!) and it took a little while for Debra to find her groove.  Nonetheless, the story was engaging from the start!

Jamaica Farewell touches upon a lot: Jamaica's tumultuous history as a backdrop to Debra's plans to escape Jamaica; a childhood impacted by poverty, instability and a gambling, alcoholic father; a relationship with a CIA operative; and, assorted harrowing escapades.  Debra is undoubtedly a masterful storyteller, weaving together drama, suspense, intrigue and hilarity!  Regrettably, but understandably, it is likely that her tale was significantly edited to enable a one-woman performance, but the good news is that a screenplay is in process!

Written and performed by Debra Ehrhardt; directed by Joel Zwick.  Jamaica Farewell continues through May 27th at Chopin Theatre - Fridays and Saturdays, 8pm; Sundays, 4pm. $35-45.

Soleil's To-DosLetter: Mother's Day To-Dos!

 

Happy Mother's Day

Stephanie!
Soleil@so-LAZE.com

When it comes down to it, on Mother's Day, most moms just want to know that they're loved and appreciated.  Gifts are nice if you can afford it, but time spent with your mom or mom-figure is just as important.  Whether you're rolling in dough or squatting in squalor, you're bound to find a To-Do that's just right for your mom!  Check out some of our picks below and come on by Soleil's To-Dos for more!

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="210"] Dawoud Bey - Rudy Nimocks and Lindsay Atnip, Hyde Park, Chicago, 2012[/caption]

Dawoud Bey: Picturing People (Opening Reception):  For the budget-minded child whose mom loves art - here's a perfect choice!  This exhibit at the Renaissance Society is a career survey of Dawoud's work.  On Sunday from 5-7pm, enjoy an Artist Talk and opening reception.  Free!  (Note that simultaneously at the Art Institute Dawoud Bey's 1979 collection "Harlem USA" is on exhibit!  You'll have an easier time with parking at the Renaissance Society exhibit though.)

Chicago Blues - Mother's Day Celebration:  Demetria Taylor — daughter of blues legend Eddie Taylor — makes her Old Town School debut with a fun and flashy Mother's Day set.  This performance is part of the Chicago Blues Series, which is a lead up to the Chicago Blues Festival!  6:30-8:30pm; $15.

The Marvin Gaye Story:  Black Ensemble Theater can always be relied upon for a nostalgic musical and this weekend is no exception!  Sunday, 3pm; $55-65.  The production continues through July 29th.

Dose Market - Mother's Day Edition:  For the agile mom, Dose Market allows you to get some burn while also indulging in some fabulous treats!  Every month, Dose features a wide variety of vendors that serve up the hottest in food, fashion and more.  Shop for mom on the spot!  Admission is only $8 in advance and $10 at the door, so bring the whole family along!  10am-4pm.

Mo'Nique and Friends: Mother's Day Comedy Show:  Mo'Nique, an Oscar award-winning actress and one of the Original Queens of Comedy, will perform a Mother’s Day Comedy Show with her friends, Rodney Perry and Tone X.  7pm; $62-72.

Pre-Mother's Day Brunch w/ Events by Eve:  The historic Gibsons Steakhouse on the Gold Coast is the setting for this special event that includes lovely ambiance, great raffle prizes, a delicious buffet and more!!!  Reservations required.  Saturday, May 12th, 11am-2pm; $35.

Mother's Day Brunch at Zed451:  For only $29 ($16 for children), Mom can enjoy a mimosa and indulge in an unlimited sampling of a ridiculous variety of food, ranging from chicken & waffles to duck confit hash browns and citrus dusted Atlantic salmon!  Reservations required.  10am-3pm

Mother's Day Brunch at Norman's Bistro:  This bountiful buffet includes an assortment of Salads, Marinated Grilled Vegetables, Pancake Station, Omelet Station and more! Norm's Chefs will be carving Roasted Turkey, Brown Sugar Glazed Ham and Prime Rib. Reservations required.  9am-4pm; Adults, $30, Children, $15.

SunSpots: Flipping Out for Xtreme Trampolines!

 

Jumping for Joy at Xtreme Trampolines - Where a Kid (or an Adult) Can be a Kid!

Stephanie!
Soleil@so-LAZE.com

Xtreme Trampolines has been on my mind since Tracye Dee shared her blog post, Who's Got Next, several months ago.  So, when Groupon offered a 2-for-1 deal earlier this year, I jumped on it!  Today,  my cohorts and I jumped on it . . . and tonight I soak in bath salts . . .

We visited the Buffalo Grove location because I was told it was newer.  They have two trampoline areas based on age - each with 10 or 11 "lanes" with 3 trampolines and 2 "walls" each.  There are also two age-based trampoline dodgeball areas and one trampoline foam pit area where flips can be practiced. (They really need an additional area for that.) While I saw a sign about pinball machines and other games, we spent our entire time moving from one area to another.

Free-styling on the regular trampolines was a real blast, as was jumping across the trampoline grids.  It never got too crowded, but when it came close, we just moved to a different trampoline area.  The boys loved, and did not tire of, dodgeball.  The soft, foam balls made this a safe activity for all ages.  With only four trampolines, the foam pit area should really be doubled.  However, the kids (and this adult!) were good about lining up and sharing the trampolines.

Okay, speaking of this adult, I was probably only one of three adults jumping.  I really don't know whether I or the kids had more fun because I truly had a ball!  Weekends are peak time for kids, however, both Xtreme locations are open until 10 or 11pm (well past most kids' bedtimes) on Monday through Thursday.  They recommend that you go barefoot for better traction, so whip out your pumice store beforehand if necessary! Amazingly, at the end of our visit, the bottoms of my feet were remarkably clean!

Jumping is great exercise!  In fact, you can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour in the aerobics class on Tuesdays at 7pm in Buffalo Grove, Tuesdays at Thursdays at 7pm in Carol Stream.  The cost is only $8 per class or $60 for 10 classes!  They also have birthday packages at both the Buffalo Grove and Carol Stream locations.  (The members of my crew were contemplating their birthday parties before we could even get out the door!)

The cost is $11/12 per person for the first hour and $6/7 for each additional hour (although we were there for well over three hours, with no apparent time monitoring).  Xtreme Trampolines has locations in Carol Stream and Buffalo Grove (which is newer).

Click the image below to view the Flipping Out video!
View more photos!

SunSpots: Alvin Ailey Returns to Chicago!

 

Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Returns with New Works and a New Artistic Director


Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AADT) has returned to Chicago under the direction of Robert Battle in his first season as Artistic Director!  He has some serious shoes to fill, following in the footsteps of only Judith Jamison and Alvin Ailey himself.  Judging by the opening night performance, he's off to a great start!

[caption id="attachment_1074" align="alignright" width="200"] Linda Celeste Sims and Kirven J. Boyd. Photo by Paul Kolnik[/caption]

The program began with "Arden Court," choreographed by Paul Taylor and the first of his works to be performed by AADT.  The piece seemingly opens conservatively with much pomp and circumstance, thanks to the rich, baroque music by William Boyce.  The dancers were nimble, spry and tightly in synch as they took full advantage of the entire stage. However, the piece takes a delightfully romantic, yet playful, turn with a couple of duets.  In the first duet, a playful sprite, Alicia Graf Mack, drives the more serious Antonio Douthit to distraction as she dances all about him and on him!  In the next duet, roles are reversed as Kirven J. Boyd seeks the attention of Linda Celeste Sims with varied, playful antics.  Battle shared that when he initially saw the piece, he was attracted to the piece because of the huge image of the rose projected on the backdrop of the stage, which was the choreographer's attempt to impress his mother - a lover of roses!

[caption id="attachment_1077" align="alignleft" width="200"] Ghrai DeVore and Kiven J. Boyd.     Photo by Paul Kolnik[/caption]

Intermission has never been so much fun, thanks to "Minus 16" (so don't stay away too long)!  This AADT premiere of Ohad Naharin's piece includes some fantastic music - a little Dean Martin, some techno and even cha-cha.  Battle says that, with this piece, AADT "[expands] the Ailey repertory with a work unlike any other we have done. . . . It has an edge and offers surprising new experiences for the company and our audience."  (However, that is truly an understatement!)  "Minus 16" uses Naharin's acclaimed ""Gaga" method to break down old habits and make room for new movement and new experience." It presents an eclectic array of dance and music that is outstanding from beginning - strike that: pre-beginning - to end and is guaranteed to leave you on your feet!

[caption id="attachment_1082" align="alignright" width="200"] Linda Celeste Sims and Glenn Allen Sims. Photo by Christopher Duggan[/caption]

The performance concluded with the AADT classic, "Revelations" (which, for the first time, almost felt anti-climatic).  "Fix Me, Jesus" is as powerful and moving as ever with with Glenn Allen Sims providing seen, yet unseen, support for Linda Celeste Sims. (Glenn and Linda met when he joined the Company in 1997 (the year after her).  They have been married for over a decade and have become known over the years for their moving performances of “Fix Me, Jesus.”)  Another standout performance is by Antonio Douthit in "I Wanna be Ready," in which he demonstrates incredible, power, grace, athleticism and emotion.

Alvin Ailey Dance Theater continues at Auditorium Theatre through Sunday, April 15th.  If you're already a fan, show your love by wearing red on Friday and at the Saturday evening performance. ;=)  Ticket prices are $30-90.

Stephanie!
Soleil@so-LAZE.com

Congratulations to Miaisha, Phyllis and Felicia, each of whom won a pair of Level 2 tickets from Soleil's To-Dos!