Recording His Final Songs

The Last Session –  Refuge Theatre Project

 

Gideon, a famous fictional Los Angeles composer, singer and recording artist, decides to invite three of his former band members to join him, along with his longtime buddy and studio engineer, Jim, for the recording session of a final album of songs. Gideon was originally a great gospel artist; but it’s 1990 and his music has now crossed over to the pop charts. The talented, young composer has been battling the effects of the AIDS virus for several years and the fight has taken its toll, both on Gideon and on his devoted partner, Jack. He’s decided that this will be his farewell recording, dedicated to his partner and friends.

 Gideon’s asked Tryshia, a good friend, a mother and a professional backup singer, to attend the session. He’s also invited Vicki, Gideon’s ex-wife, and also a friend and an unsuccessful rock singer-turned-Mary Kay salesperson to help with the musical tracks. In addition, Gideon asked another a male singer, but that man has failed to show up. Instead, a kid named Buddy arrives in his place. Buddy is a young, aspiring singer/songwriter who has idolized Gideon for a long time. He’s very excited to be sharing this musical experience with this much-admired performer, until Buddy discovers that Gideon is gay and dying of AIDS. Being a strict Southern Baptist, Buddy can no longer accept Gideon as a person with an artistic gift, but sees him, instead, as a sinner doomed to burn in hell. When Buddy and the two ladies learn that Gideon is planning suicide, upon the completion of his final recording, there’s more to be heard in the recording studio than the sound of music.

The show, which began as musical therapy for composer and lyricist, Steve Schalchlin, has a book by Jim Brochu, and features additional lyrics by John Bettis and Marie Cain. It’s based, in part, on Schalchlin’s own life. The songs reflect the composer’s honest feelings about dealing with this death sentence. The first production played Off-Off-Broadway, in the Spring of 1997. Later that Fall, the show opened Off-Broadway, where it was nominated for both the Drama League and the Outer Critics Circle Awards. The intimate musical has gone on to play Los Angeles, London and many other regional theatres around the country.

In another of Refuge Theatre’s site specific productions, the audience is invited to join the artists, in a small recording studio, to witness the recording session. Collin G. Helou has done a very nice job of lighting the space, often employing mood-inducing colors and instrument intensities to enhance the various songs. Christopher Pazdernik has, once again, nicely directed his talented cast of actor/singers with deep feeling.

Also serving as Musical Director, Erik Pearson is the right choice to play Gideon. His tall, lanky frame, long hair and talented agility at the keyboard, as well as with a song, are perfect for this role. In fact, the entire cast offers some the best from Chicago’s pool of talent. Benjamin Baylon, who makes his debut with this theatre company, does a nice job as Jim. As Buddy, Ryan Armstrong possesses an excellent voice and is convincing as a Bible-thumping, wannabe gospel singer. The only problem is that the young actor’s enthusiasm is sometimes larger than the intimate venue. He tends to overwhelm, a quality never noticed before in his many previous, excellent performances around Chicago. Ryan’s talents have been thoroughly enjoyed in productions at Theo Ubique, Pride Films & Plays, as well as in two previous Refuge Theatre productions. Perhaps opening night nerves were controlling the talented actor during this performance.

Darilyn Burtley plays Tryshia with style, humor and verve. This terrific young performer has a golden voice and makes the most of every note she sings. Ms. Burtley’s talents have been enjoyed in the past at Chicago Shakespeare, Marriott’s Lincolnshire Theatre and even the Lyric Opera of Chicago, in their critically acclaimed production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Hopefully audiences will be seeing a lot more of this lovely actor/singer in the near future.

As Vicki, Gideon’s former wife, best friend and most candid critic, Liz Bollar knocks it out of the park. She plays the sassy Mary Kay Cosmetic Queen with a take-no-prisoners persona. Ms. Bollar has been seen at Lifeline, Circle, Emerald City and American Theater Company, among others, and she always makes a big impression. This talented singer not only has a big personality but a giant voice. The trouble is that, like Mr. Armstrong, the space just isn’t as large as some theatre venues and, because Ms. Bollar gives her all, she sometimes overpowers. This is one lady who needs no amplification and Sound Designer Isaac Mandel may want to turn down Ms. Bollar’s microphone a bit.

This is a special kind of musical. Christopher Pazdernik has done a stellar job of directing his show and the five-member cast is first-rate. But while there are elements of entertainment, even moments of humor, this dramatic show is more like a form of catharsis. There are universal themes and ideas buried within the music and dialogue, and certainly anyone who’s ever experienced an illness this life-threatening will relate to Gideon’s story. However, the material can be depressing to some, and sensitive theatergoers should be warned ahead of time that a lot of frank, honest material is going to be a seen and heard in this play. But for audiences looking for a poignant drama, filled with pathos and passion, “The Last Session” may be the perfect show for them.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas 

 

Presented October 26-December 2 by Refuge Theatre Project at the Atlas Arts Studio, 4809 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the door or by going to www.RefugeTheatre.com.

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