![]() ![]() Galena Blvd., Aurora 63 or www.paramountaurora. “August Rush: The Musical” is now in previews and runs through June 2 at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. We’ll just have to see where “August Rush” finds itself to be. And for their part, the creative team will get to try their ideas before an audience of Chicago-style theatergoers, all ready to receive. Whatever the result, Paramount at least now has its toe in the pre-Broadway waters, and it has the chance to introduce its audience to something none of them will have seen before. Or it could have no commercial future at all. Perhaps more likely, it could get a subsequent staging at a regional theater as part of a longer process. “August Rush” could go to Broadway (with the level of people involved, that would not be a surprise). Various scenarios present themselves as agents and potential producers head to Aurora, beginning Friday. But for anyone that has an interest in new shows that push the boundaries of musical theatre, this is a polished jewel.All of these artists said that they really don’t yet know what they have, even if Broadway invariably is the goal for any project involving a movie from a major studio with an interest in expanding its footprint. Despite its extreme charms, the show doesn’t seem to have the emotional heft it would have with a traditional book. Indeed fans of the movie will find that the musical omits many essential plot details. While there is much to admire about this lyrical production, it may veer too far from traditional storytelling for general audiences. Doyle seems to rely on the music and fluid staging to tell his story and every moment is thoughtfully crafted. The Book by Glen Berger is minimal dialogue and lyrics are practically nonexistent by the end of the show. The ensemble’s virtuoso musicianship and singing is frequently thrilling. The orchestrations are a constant delight-this is the ideal show for anyone who appreciates acoustic music. There are several extended instrumental numbers leading up to a rhapsody. “August Rush: The Musical” is a curious hybrid-a performance piece that seems to be as much concert as musical theatre. With the minimal scenery, Sound Designer Dan Moses Schreier is frequently called upon to provide a soundscape to suggest the primarily urban scene. Costume Designer Ann Hould-Ward provides street wear and concert dress in the same black and white palette with splashes of red. Scenic Designer Scott Pask provides a textured white backdrop suggestive of a cityscape which Lighting Designer Paul Toben paints with color and upon which Projection Designer Joe Burke occasionally adds details. The story plays out on a simple, elegant stage featuring a gleaming black grand piano and four white stools. Also prominently featured is Leenya Rideout as Hope. But when August/Evan proves to be a musical prodigy, the Wizard tries to control his musical career. George Abud plays Lewis, a rock musician who won Lyla’s attention with “Pig In the Moonlight.” John Hickok plays the dual roles of Lyla’s protective father and the Wizard who offers the homeless August/Evan a safe haven. At two and three-quarter hours, the film is rather too long, but it contains plenty. ![]() Sydney Shepherd portrays Lyla, a classical cellist whose father forces her to give up her baby in order to further her career. The songs are strong, the lyrics clever and the choreography slick and busy. The leading players include Jack McCarthy (on press night) as August Rush/Evan Taylor (Huxley Westemeier shares the role), an 11-year-old boy who has run away from foster care in order to seek out his birth parents. “August Rush: The Musical” features a cast of fifteen playing an array of handsome musical instruments, both popular and unusual, with Musical Director/Conductor Greg Jarrett on keyboard. ![]() Internationally acclaimed Director John Doyle has become known for his unusual approach to musical theatre, often featuring casts who are both actors and musicians, accompanying one another on musical instruments while simultaneously playing roles. “August Rush: The Musical”, based on the original Oscar-nominated film about a musically gifted orphan, marks Paramount Theatre’s first world premiere production. During the last four seasons, Paramount productions have been nominated for 55 Jeff Awards winning 18 of them. Since launching its Broadway Series in 2011, Aurora’s Paramount Theatre has become one of the most successful musical production houses in the Chicago area. ![]()
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