In keeping with the lead character's penchant for rating his life like an end-of-the-year critic's list, here are the Top Five Things About Chicago's New Production of "High Fidelity":
5. The revised musical is now smaller and edgier than it was on Broadway and returns to the Chicago setting of John Cusack's 2000 cult-film version.
4. Having the ensemble double as band members and/or backup singers maximizes the versatility and talents of this cast.
3. Staging the show primarily within the cramped, dingy confines of Championship Vinyl, a fictional Windy City vintage record store, infuses it with an authentic Chicago grittiness, matching the film.
2. Peter Amster's skillful direction and choreographic artistry make the most of this slight theatrical piece, mining the musical and comic potential of the talented cast.
And the Best Thing about this production:
1. The three brilliant supporting actors/singers who make this production soar: Jonathan Wagner channeling Jack Black as Barry, Michael Mahler as a sweetly sincere Dick and Dana Tretta as Laura's gutsy friend, Liz.
The story is simple. Rob Gordon has been dumped by his girlfriend Laura because he hasn't changed an iota since the day they met. In an attempt to figure out where things went wrong he revisits his top five breakups of all time, who form a kind of modern Greek chorus/backup group along with Barry and Dick, the two slackers who work at Rob's store, as well as the store's assortment of nerdy customers. The outcome is predictable but the journey is often clever and funny.
The biggest problem of this production stems from its two lead actors. Stef Tovar is likable enough, resembling Jason Segel of "How I Met Your Mother" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." But he seems a little too old to play Rob and he doesn't possess the vocal chops necessary for the pseudo-'80s musical score. More of a problem, however, is Tricia Small, who lacks the personality and voice necessary for Laura. She is overshadowed by everyone in the production and begs the question: Why is Rob so obsessed with this chick? The two share one nicely sincere duet near the end of the play, entitled "Laura, Laura," but it's too little too late.
Although this show may not make your list of top five musicals, it still offers an enjoyable evening, especially for fans of the Nick Hornby book and the film (the dialogue is faithful to both). The Piper's Alley venue also offers a bar and an intimate setting in which to get up close and personal with a cult classic.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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