Not a Show For Everyone

Wife Material–Underscore Theatre Company

 

Maybe it’s a gender bias. Perhaps it’s a generational issue. Probably it’s a little of both, but this new musical, that launches this company’s 2018-19 season, is simply not appropriate for every audience. This autobiographical 90-minute musical is nothing if not forthright, free-flowing and extremely frank. The playwright is unabashedly outspoken and doesn’t shy away from sensitive issues, or anything which may be considered controversial to some theatergoers. So, just a warning: buyer, beware!

She might be called a Renaissance woman, because Jamie Shriner has not only written the book, she’s composed all the songs and fitted the music with lyrics that, at the very least, may be called “adult.” Still, not content with merely dominating the entire creative aspect of this musical, Ms. Shriner is also the star player. Of course, she’s nicely supported by Caitlin Dobbins and Natalie Rae, two talented actor/singers who play a variety of characters of both genders. These two young women offer some variety to a show that’s basically one long musical monologue.

 The piece is musically directed by Kyra Leigh, who also deftly leads the onstage accompaniment on keyboard. Her band also includes Jeremiah Benham on Bass, Sarah Basel Kaspar on drums and Jason Krause, as the keyboard swing. Dana Anderson stages the production as best she can, but she’s up against some physical odds. Nicholas Schwartz’s curious scenic design provides ample downstage space for the three actors, but hems in the upstage portion of the room with a bandstand and a full bar that seems unnecessary. All Anderson is left with is an aisle that leads to an offstage exit. We’re told that the space is Underscore’s newly-remodeled, permanent home, so perhaps the bar will become a practical watering hole during subsequent productions.

The musical is essentially the story of one young woman’s journey toward self-awareness and a lesson in learning how to love herself. Jamie grew up in NW Indiana, where she was known as the town slut. She discovered that, as a young teenager, she really enjoyed sex, and not just with men. Consequently, Ms. Shriner developed quite a racy reputation. Her mother hoped that Jamie would eventually become “wife material,” but the adventurous young woman was content to simply satisfy herself with every man and woman to whom she was attracted. 

After her sexually active years at Milliken University, Jamie finally met a young British man who proposed marriage. Ms. Shriner became Mrs. Biddle, much to her mother’s delight, but her husband had to return to England. Thus the couple was forced to sustain a long-distance relationship, with their only connection being by telephone. The material treads delicately into the realm of unwanted sexual advances, and the musical suddenly turns unexpectedly serious. But, after all this, Jamie finds that she still requires more physical stimulation, so the musical delves into the joys of pleasuring oneself. The autobiographical story ends, as it began, with the three women celebrating Jamie’s marriage as Mrs. Biddle, and recognizing that Jamie, like all of us, is a work in progress.

The musical, quite naturally, is unapologetically female-centric. It’s also aimed at women of a certain age, rather than at everyone. The show’s filled with simulated sexual acts, involving both genders, four-letter words and blunt, honest dialogue and songs. The music includes such uninhibited tunes as “Let’s Screw,” “Fuckboi,” “Cheater” and a celebration of masturbation, “Love Myself.” The show refuses to hide its face. It’s loud, in-your-face and candidly realistic. However, it must be said that this isn’t a musical for everyone.

Somewhat Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas     

 

Presented November 8-December 9 by Underscore Theatre Company at the Arkham Theatre, 4609 N. Clark St., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the door and by going to www.underscoretheatre.org.

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