The Devil Wears Prada

The Devil Wears Prada – Broadway in Chicago

Chicago has been home to several pre-Broadway runs all of which have done quite well once on the Great White Way. This current production of The Devil Wears Prada is no exception.

Based on the book by Lois Weinberger, it then became a hit movie starring Meryl Strep, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt. The musical has a score by Elton John and lyrics by Shania Taub, a book by Kate Wetherhead, under the excellent direction of Chicago’s own Anna D. Shapiro.

The story is simple. Andrea Sachs (“Andy for short”) fresh out of school and hoping to become a writer ends up working at a fashion magazine as a second assistant. As the story progresses, we see Andy change into a more fashion minded, uppity, confident person but alas her ties to her friends in Brooklyn and her boyfriend win out in the end.

Taylor Iman Jones has a voice that leaves you wanting more, and her transformation is delightful to watch. Beth Leavel as Miranda Priestly makes this role her own doing a fine job as the ice queen of the publication. Emily Charlton, played by Megan Masako Haley, as the first assistant had the perfect edge needed for the role and Javier Munoz as Nigel Owens delivers an outstanding performance. He sings a sweet song about his backstory growing up gay in Kalamzoo and how fashion saved him.

One of the standouts is the design team of Christine Jones and Brett Banakis. The transformation of a bridge into the Eifel Tower is incredible to watch along with the other set elements. Choreography by James Alsop and costume design by Arianne Phillips add flair and finesse to this production.

Rounding out the first act is the musical number The Devil Wears Prada. That and Dress Your Way Up  both clearly have the feel of Elton and are superbly performed by the cast.

We were reminded at the end of the show by the producer the role that understudies play in these productions, as Covid hit many of these actors and others stepped in on very short notice. Shout out to Chicago native Sawyer Smith for his fine work even with a broken arm.

This show is here until August 21 and will then head to Broadway. It is always interesting to see what will happen but if Chicago is any indication, it should be around for quite a while.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Gayle Kirshenbaum

Through August 21 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph. For tickets visit www.BroadwayinChicago.com

For information on this and other shows visit www.theatreinchicago.com