Reboot of the Knute Rockne Story

Something in the Game: An All-American Musical – American Music Theatre

 

Ten years ago, the creative team of talented Chicago favorites Michael Mahler and David H. Bell composed a fine musical score that was adapted to fit Buddy Farmer’s play inspired by the life Knute Rockne. The musical, then titled “Knute Rockne: All- American,” premiered at Indiana’s professional Theater at the Center, in Munster. It’s not coincidental that the cherished Hoosier university, Notre Dame, was Rockne’s alma mater and his home turf for many years. It’s where he not only played football, but went on to become the almost mythical coach of the Fighting Irish. That original musical has been successfully reworked by Mahler and Bell, and is currently being presented on the campus of Northwestern University. It’s part of David H. Bell and Brannon Bowers’ nationally-known and highly-respected American Music Theatre Project, a program devoted to fostering and presenting new theatrical musicals. Ten years later, and under a new title, the show continues to be a stirring tale of an American hero.

This new production is exciting for many reasons. The new version the Knute Rockne musical focuses more on the man himself. It successfully balances his passion for football and forging a winning team, which he managed to achieve through five football seasons, with his love for his wife and children. Throughout the events of the play, Rockne comes to understand what’s important in life. Football, he eventually realizes, is just a game and winning is ephemeral; home and family are what matter the most.

The second reason for excitement, and the motivation for reviewing this production, is that the cast is comprised of a company of heavy-hitting, A-list professional actors, along with some very talented Northwestern theatre students. The Equity cast includes some truly gifted veterans of the Chicago stage. Stef Tovar returns as Knute Rockne, a role he seems born to play. Tovar owns this part and brings the late coach and sporting hero to life, as few actors could. He carries this show, almost never leaving the stage, with songs like “Fighting Irish,” “Go, Go, Go,” “Due Dilligence” and his duet with Gipp, “Ordinary Heroes.” Adrian Aguilar is terrific as George Gipp, making an empathetic hero in his portrayal of this sporting legend. His natural charisma, honest characterization and superb singing/dancing talents pay off in full. Aguilar’s songs, “All American” and his rendition of “Confession” are heartfelt and gorgeous. 

Making a much-welcome return to the Chicago stage, Dara Cameron is ideal as Bonnie, Rockne’s loving, but often ignored wife and mother. She’s absolute perfection, both as a gifted singer and a sincere, straightforward actress, bringing truth and strength to a role who, in lesser hands, might fade into the background of the sports story. Ms Cameron thrills with songs like “Reach High,” “Father and Son” and, especially, “If There Had Been Roses.” As Billy, Bonnie and Knute’s son, Charlie Herman does a fine job.

 James Rank is strong, bullheaded and subtly comical as Father Walsh. He joins the company in several great songs, particularly “Promises to Keep.” James Earl Jones II, a stellar addition to any cast, is humorous and scene-stealing as Jimmy the Goat, a proprietor of a seedy South Bend bar and gambling joint. He provides a bright light in this production, especially in numbers like “All American” and “Welcome to the Bottom.” Playing Thelma, Jimmy’s partner in crime, is the incomparable Rashada Dawan. She makes the Louis theater absolutely explode with heat and hysteria with every appearance. Ms. Dawan stops the show with her soul-stirring performance of “Easy Come, Easy Go” and while leading the ensemble in an electrifying  production number called “The Shift.” And another Chicago favorite, the accomplished actor Brandon Springman, powerfully portrays Coach Harper, along with several other characters. 

Returning to Northwestern, his own Alma Mater, handsome, talented Neal Davidson adds so much to this production, portraying Gus Dorais, Rockne’s best friend, All-American quarterback and Assistant Coach. He, and this brilliant Equity cast, are supported and understudied by a company of shining young triple threats. They include Kaja Burke-Williams, Alex Benoit, Marvin J. Malone II, Adam Ross Brody, Emma Rothfield, Tucker DeGregory, Daniella Marino, Jacob Baim, Miles Blim, Samuel Gardner, Alex Jackson, Ruchir Khazanchi, Chloe Nadon-Enriquez and Lindsay Whisler. These talented young Thespians are names to watch!

The tech support for this production is first-rate, as well. Alan Schwanke’s fluid scenic design works well. Robert S. Kuhn’s costumes are fantastic and period perfect (notice his well-researched football uniforms and his gorgeous Roaring 20’s dresses for the chorus). Jesse Klug also returns to illuminate the production and beautifully lights up the sky. And under Ryan T. Nelson’s musical direction, Matthew Burgess’ offstage orchestra is rich and full, nicely balanced by Christopher Kriz’s sound design. 

Directed and expertly choreographed once again by the masterful David H. Bell, this production couldn’t be more professional, heartfelt and entertaining. He’s extracted some superb performances from his cast and choreographed the show with athleticism. Michael Mahler’s tuneful score is filled with toe-tapping jazz, rhythmic ragtime and heartbreaking ballads. The one problem with this current version is still the book. The show runs a bit too long and comes off a little choppy. There are minor, almost insignificant moments in the plot that could easily be eliminated without losing the power behind the story. But, as a work in progress, there’s much to offer in this limited engagement production. For sports and history enthusiasts, and especially theatre aficionados, who enjoy witnessing a brand-new musical burst into life, this a great opportunity. Populated by such a talented, professional cast, audiences will definitely want to make their way to the Northwestern campus to enjoy this reboot of the Knute Rockne story.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas         

      

Presented July 20-August 5 by the American Music Theatre and the Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts, at Josephine Louis Theater on the campus of Northwestern University, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the Wirtz Center box office, located in the Barber Theater lobby, by calling 847-491-7282 or by going to the Wirtz Center website.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.