Living Life to the Fullest

Hundred Days – Kokandy Productions

Kokandy Productions is the latest company to make its welcome return to the live Chicago theatre scene. Their goal, under Derek Van Barham’s Artistic Directorship, is “to leverage the heightened reality of musical theater to tell complex and challenging stories…” In this objective, the company has hit its target. Their first production is an autobiographical concert-style song cycle presentation about a young couple determined to live life to the fullest.

In “Hundred Days,” with music by Abigail and Shaun Bengson, and a book written by the Bengsons and Sarah Gancher, a real-life young couple tell the story of how they met, fell in love and were married—all in just three short weeks. This pair of twenty-somethings take turns sharing their collective story together. Both were terrified at how fast their relationship evolved. Shaun was constantly scared that his truelove would leave him; Abigail, traumatized by a difficult childhood, feared that Shaun would tragically die at a young age. When she was only fifteen years old, Abigail dreamed that she would someday meet her soulmate, but that he would have only a hundred days to live, hence the show’s title. Abigail Bengson is portrayed with astounding vocal dexterity and a powerhouse of energy by Emilie Modaff. In a quieter, more reserved performance, Shaun Bengson is played by the talented Alec Phan, with Royen Kent alternating in the role on weekends.

The story, which is reminiscent of the more fully-realized Broadway musical, “Once,” unfolds through short dialogues that are alternately pithy, poignant and playful. Bursts of banter lead into lengthy songs, which are essentially musical monologues. The two leading characters, who feel truly authentic and sing so beautifully, are also adept at accompanying themselves on a variety of instruments. Their backup band, who occasionally play supporting characters, is comprised of five equally gifted and versatile young singer/instrumentalists. They include Grace Bobber, Melanie Vitaterna, David Gordon-Johnson, Brennan Urbi and Lucas “Looch” Johnson. 

The style of the Bengsons’ music is difficult to describe or label. It’s a tuneful, pulsating, punk-folk-rock expression that bursts forth in a spirited, infectious and enjoyable presentation. Sometimes, however, due to over-amplification or faulty sound mixing, the lyrics become unclear and hard to understand. Since this is a musical, that problem becomes a detriment to the overall effect. But Director Lucky Stiff’s seamless guidance and empathy for their characters, coupled with the percussive, choreographed movement created by Collin Quinn Rice, add so much to this production.

Presented in a cabaret setting, with tables and chairs surrounding a small thrust stage, this unique production is 90 uninterrupted minutes of musical drama, with spurts of unexpected comedy. It’s a moving story shared between the artists and their audience. Shaun Bengson’s shy, introverted gentility is nicely contrasted with Abigail’s quirky ardor and animation. Both are truly likable characters who win our hearts with their collective joie de vivre. After almost two years of being cooped up at home because of the pandemic, it’s wonderful to see and hear a couple who are determined to live their lives to the fullest, to celebrate every moment together and make every minute count.   

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Produced November 7 January 9 by Kokandy Productions at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the Chopin box office or by going to www.kokandyproductions.com.

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