Rocky Mountain High

Almost Heaven: John Denver’s America – Theatre at the Center

There are so many shows nowadays that sport the label of jukebox musical. They’re either plays that provide a clever, original story that’s enhanced by the well-known tunes of a popular musician (the excellent “Jagged Little Pill,” supported by the songs of Alanis Morissette, is currently taking Broadway by storm); or a musical group (one of the first jukebox musicals,“Mamma Mia!” which is a vehicle for the songs of pop group, ABBA). Then there are the biographical jukebox musicals, such as the brilliantly written and performed “Jersey Boys,” or the less successful “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,” that claims to present the life story of a musical group or individual singer through the songs they wrote. 

Taking a well-deserved bow, Theatre at the Center opens its 30th Anniversary Season with this sweet, nostalgic and beautifully performed revue. Some patrons will probably consider this to be a memoir musical. But the music associated with this folksinger and songwriter plays here more like a gorgeous, heartfelt concert. The show’s actually a lush, toe-tapping retrospective of some of the John Denver’s best-loved compositions, laced together with letters from loved ones, a bit of proffered trivia and some earnest, first-person narration, primarily offered by Steven Romero Schaeffer, who kinda represents the singer. The show features over two dozen songs attributed to John Denver, and performed by five gifted singer/actors. Denver’s melodies, self-accompanied on guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele and tambourine by the multitalented cast, are also supported by three wonderful onstage musicians. They include Musical Director William Underwood, Malcolm Ruhl and, especially outstanding, Alison Tatum, on violin. For fans of John Denver, this little two-hour revue is a Valentine to his talent.

The Center’s uber talented Artistic Director, Linda Fortunato, has lovingly guided her production with an appropriately relaxed pacing, nicely complimenting Mr. Denver’s laidback musical style. She’s staged the show on Ann Davis’ perfectly pastoral, scenic design that features a series of tree-like arches that rise over the platforms and embrace the actors and their onstage band. The musical is at its best, however, when the actor/singers are blocked to travel downstage, playing and singing near the audience. It’s the kind of show that begs to be presented up-close and personal.

After performing in the ensemble of TATC’s production of “Big River,” Steven Romero Schaeffer returns to the stage as the iconic country singer, John Denver. A talented musician on several instruments, Mr. Schaeffer charms the audience with his boyish good looks and smooth tenor voice. Tommy Malouf, last seen at Theatre at the Center as Johnny Cash in their recent production of “Million Dollar Quartet,” is excellent, especially when accompanying the cast on mandolin and banjo. Last seen in “The Pajama Game,” lovely Shannon McEldowney caresses every note and lyric of her solo numbers and adds sweet harmony to the group numbers. 

But two of the singers, making their TATC debuts, are the standouts in this production. Sara Geist, whose talents have been enjoyed all over Chicago, is simply stunning. She sparkles, whether singing or adding moments of heartfelt narration. This brilliant young lady has one of the purest, most crystal clear voices imaginable. And handsome Andrew Mueller, who has appeared in several Off-Broadway and regional productions, has also been seen in many Chicagoland shows as well, but usually as a featured member of a show’s ensemble. It’s high time someone brought this gifted young actor/singer/musician out of the chorus line and into the limelight. He’s magnificent. Hopefully we’ll be seeing more of these two wonderful triple-threats in the near future.

While this charming musical is short on story it’s long on song and filled with gifted, charismatic talent. Featuring a program of fan favorites, culled from John Denver’s twelve gold and four platinum albums, audiences will delight listening to hits like “All of My Memories,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Calypso,” “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” “Grandma’s Feather Bed,” “Annie’s Song,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Sunshine on My Shoulders” and “Poems, Prayers and Promises.” Grateful audiences will leave this production, wrapped in warm, fond memories of when they first heard these John Denver hits and became fans during the 1960s and 70s. It’s assured that every theatergoer will fly back home on a “Rocky Mountain High.”     

Highly Recommended   

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented February 16-March 22 by Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Rd., Munster, IN.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 219-836-3255 or by going to www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

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