An Evening of Sidesplitting Slapstick

Love, Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody – Right Angle Entertainment

Just in time for the holidays, Chicago audiences have a brilliant new parody of an film that’s become kind of a cult classic, especially at this time of the year. “Love Actually” is a 2003 romantic comedy set in London in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Although the movie received mixed reviews, it was a huge box office success and has since become a cult classic. Directed by Richard Curtis, the film features an ensemble cast telling ten separate stories, most of which eventually merge by the final scene. The movie offers a great deal of humor, but some warmhearted and poignant moments, as well. It’s an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours around Christmastime. 

In this cleverly constructed “Unauthorized Musical Parody,” written by Bob and Tobly McSmith, we get a very funny, abbreviated and streamlined 85-minute version of the entire 2-hour movie. But instead of using the characters’ names from the film, which no one remembers anyway, the writers wisely use the more familiar actors’ names from the movie. And, to make this comic laugh-fest even funnier, a single actor portrays several different celebrities. Thanks to some tight, frantic direction by Tim Drucker, and the creativity of Dustin Cross (costume designer) and Connor Donnelly (hair/wig designer), providing for 144 lightning-fast backstage wardrobe changes and 42 wig swaps, this six-member cast of talented actors switch from character to character in a heartbeat.

The ensemble cast, who play more than 50 different characters, features talented Ann Delaney as Emma Thompson & Others; Amanda Walker, hilarious as a grinning Keira Knightly & Others; Jake Elkins, drop dead funny as so many different characters, particularly Colin Firth & Others; energetic Ryan Foreman as Peter & Others; Dan Plehal, a familiar face at Lookingglass and Steppenwolf Theatres, so brilliant as Hugh Grant & Others; and Christopher Wayland, who is delightful as both Liam Neeson and Alan Rickman & Others. 

The show features an array of short, humorous songs written and orchestrated by Basil Winterbottom. They include “He’s the Prime Minister (of Rom-Coms),” “Dark Deeds in Dark Corners,” “The Lament of Laura Linney,” “The 11 O’Clock Grand Gesture Number,” and several others. Brooke Engen has choreographed a few simple dances to accompany some of the tunes and Ethan Andersen has guided the musical direction. Much credit for creating a holiday atmosphere goes to Joshua Warner for his colorful and festive set, which is really just a backdrop of functional doorways, draped in Christmas wrapping.

If you’ve seen the movie, as I had the just the day before I enjoyed this show, this theatrical satire will absolutely leave you in stitches. I suspect that even if the film is just a faint memory from the past, the savvy audience will recall the key moments parodied in this fast-paced production. And if you’ve never seen “Love Actually,” do yourself a favor and try to stream, rent or borrow it from the library beforehand. Then go see this show. You’ll get the most from this excellent production that way, although you could probably still enjoy this comedy with no absolutely knowledge of the movie. I was skeptical before I attended, but the writing, direction and a talented cast make for a delightful evening of sidesplitting slapstick. I look forward to seeing more of these parodies that are scheduled to play throughout year at the Apollo Theater. It’s really that good!

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas 

Presented November 17-January 2 by Right Angle Entertainment at the Apollo Theater, 2550 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling (773)935-6100 or by going to www.Ticketmaster.com.

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