The decade between 1960 and 1969 was filled with exciting people and events, from John F. Kennedy's election and assassination to classic films like "Goldfinger" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's," from the Beatles' musical invasion to Hippies, Twiggy and those mod Carnaby Street fashions. But it's primarily this era’s music that has the power to dredge up those 40-year-old memories long forgotten. For that reason alone, this musical revue is worth seeing.
Beginning its theatrical life eight years ago Off-Broadway, "Shout" paints a slightly constructed tale of five nameless girls (simply referred to as Blue Girl, Red Girl, etc., based upon the colors they wear) who are apparently all friends in London. Together they survive the swinging '60s and evolve into women by following the inane advice proffered by a columnist in the fictitious Shout Magazine, which they all read religiously.
Filling the stage with the infectious hits of Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark, Lulu, Shirley Bassey, Nancy Sinatra and other divas of that time, all five ladies sing their hearts out. And while each actress brings her own special qualities to her role, Maggie Portman, familiar to Chicago audiences from her stellar turns in "Nine," "Ragtime" and "Cabaret," who emerges ultimately as the show's central character, the American girl in yellow. Portman is a spunky and captivating performer, with a big smile and a huge voice that wraps itself around melodies like a velvet glove. Megan Long is adorable as the innocent, geeky Red Girl, looking a bit like Valerie Bertinelli in "One Day at a Time." Long charms as she works through the decade searching for her true self; the changes wrought and the lessons learned by the end of the show will leave audiences jubilant.
David Gallo's funkadelic set design is bedecked with glittering mirror ball mobiles, dressed in shag carpeting and bead curtains, and festooned with gigantic, candy-colored Alice in Wonderland-like flowers and curlycues. Philip Heckman's spot-on '60s wigs, miniskirts, go-go boots and platform heels will bring back images of "The Brady Bunch," "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" and the Austin Powers films. And Jay Falzone's presentational direction and perfect choreography will make you want to jump up out of your seats and simply Shout!
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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