Banner
October 29, 2011
Michael J. Roberts GoPride.com columnist

Re-Mount of "FRAT" Expertly Examines Brotherhood
 

Reviewed By: Zachary Justus For ChicagoPride.com

The New Colony's remount of there 2009 success "Frat" by Evan Linder, takes the audience members back to freshmen year with a laugh-inducing script that also manages to shed light on the horrors that come with "brotherhood." Staged in a venue that makes the audience feel they are at a frat house, the audience move with the actors around the venue as the scenes change. This inventive staging enhances parts of the show and takes away from others as you are not always guaranteed to see the action erupting in each scene. That being said, Evan Linder has done a fantastic job examining the rules of brotherhood and the sometimes demeaning rituals of hazing. Through the comedy, there is always an underlying feel that something at any moment could go terribly wrong.

The ensemble of young actors is furiously talented including the charming Caitlin Chuckta, who plays Katie, the protagonist's stream of conscious. Alexander Lane and Benno Nelson also give stellar performances and have a good grasp on the balance of comedy and horror that lives within' the script. The ensemble of young actors showcases Chicago's promising talent at its best.

"Frat" is a great example of an original Chicago-style show at its best. It takes its audience on a rollercoaster ride of laughter while still having heart and frailty. Evan Linder has created a world both delicate and harrowing at the same time and has brought it to life with some of the best young talent Chicago has to offer.

"Frat" only has 4 more performances on November 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th at The Apartment Lounge 2251 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago. For tickets please call 773-404-7336. For more information on The New Colony please visit there website at www.thenewcolony.org

Reviewed By: Zachary Justus For ChicagoPride.com

POST A COMMENT
Login or Register or
Facebook Connect
  • photo

No one has commented on this column yet.
Be the first one to comment!

 
About Michael J. Roberts


Michael J. Roberts is a contributing reviewer for ChicagoPride.com covering Chicago's diverse arts and entertainment scene. In addition to his contributions on ChicagoPride.com, he operates the website www.ShowBizChicago.com.
Michael is originally from New York where he ran a theatrical production company for many years. Encore Theatrical Productions produced many east coast tours of musicals and plays, including La Cage Aux Folles, Man of La Mancha, The Odd Couple, Guys and Dolls and I Do, I Do. In 1994 Michael left the Big Apple for the Windy City to attend law school and has since made Chicago his home. In 2005 Michael decided to follow his passion for theatre and created Chicago's premier theatre website complete with its first talk show focusing of all aspects of Chicago theatre.
Michael still continues to bring productions to Chicago, with the 2007 U.S. Premier of Jerry Springer-The Opera at the Bailiwick Theatre, as well as the Chicago premier of Bare, A Pop Opera.


Banner
Banner
Banner
Banner
Serving the Chicago gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.
© Copyright 2013 All rights reserved. Info on this site is strictly for entertainment purposes.
DMCA.com
 
show social bar
 
National
Chicago
close social bar
rss twitter facebook myspace linkedin google+