Several years ago Chicago became the starting point for Movin' Out, a musical based on the songs of Billy Joel. While the preview audiences loved these wonderful songs and the talented dancers handling Twyla Tharp's choreography, many felt that this show would not make it. But they were dead wrong! The Tony Award winning Movin' Out is now ready to tour the nation. Their next stop: The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.
Twenty-four Billy Joel songs tell the story of lifelong friends during two decades after high school graduation. These are troubled times: Viet Nam, drugs, and sex as the world changes from idealism, to unrest and to a struggle for survival. The story unfolds through music and dance but contains no dialogue, and yet we can follow the plot and get to know the characters easily. Ms. Tharp's conception is carried out brilliantly in every detail by some of the most athletic dancers to hit a stage. The cast is led by show originals Elizabeth Parkinson and Keith Roberts who are joined by the marvelous Rasta Thomas, the glamorous Laura Feig and Troy Edward Bowles. In fact, the whole ensemble will knock your socks off. Darren Holden belts out the tunes and plays one mean piano (the alternate lead vocalist is Matthew Friedman). The set by Santo Loquasto is fairly simple but truly adds to the overall picture. The lighting by Donald Holder is perfect.
Take the time this holiday weekend to experience recent American history.
Movin' Out
Through July 9th
Auditorium Theatre
50 E. Congress Parkway
Tickets: $18-$80
Reservations: 312-902-1400 or www.ticketmaster.com
Alan Bresloff writes theater reviews for the Chicago area
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