'The Doyle & Debbie Show' Darn Near Perfection

Chicago is about to engage in a musical love-fest with none other than Doyle and Debbie who bring both hilarity and humanity to this 90 minute tour-de-force show. Conceived by and starring the amazingly brilliant Bruce Arntson, ‘The Doyle and Debbie Show' has become a cult hit in Nashville where it was first performed in 2006 and has played to sold out audiences ever since. It is easy to see why. This little show is a powerhouse of laughter while at the same time grounding itself in the human aspect of overcoming life's many obstacles.

Containing all original songs that are firmly grounded in old school country, the plot revolves around Doyle Mayfield, a recovering alcoholic, attempting to regain some of the modest popularity he had in the 1970's and 80's with his muse Debbie. The original Debbie and one replacement Debbie have gone by the wayside and now Debbie number three, discovered by Doyle at a local VFW is at his side for his comeback. Played to perfection by Jenny Littleton, Debbie sees her partnership with Doyle as her way out of a former life of child rearing and abuse (hence you see how the show's humor comes at a price).

The music and lyrics are side-splitting fun, all stylized in traditional country music roots. With songs such as "When Your Screwing Other Women (Think of Me)"; "I Ain't No Homo (But Man You're Sure Good Lookin' To Me)"; "Blue Stretch Pants" and "Fat Women in Trailers" the country duo (with Matthew Carlton as their foil Buddy) each have phenomenal vocal chops equal to any country singer on the charts today.

What is remarkable with the production is that with all the humor and parody, there is great respect for the music's origins as well as the fully flushed out back stories of Doyle and Debbie which makes them all the more engaging. Doyle's relapse is as funny as it is disturbing and Debbie's battle with trying to make a living and supporting her children makes her emotionally relate with the audience. What made the connection for me was how similar Mr. Arntson resembles a younger Glen Campbell who has dealt with sobriety issues of his own and is now unfortunately in the twilight of his career making a comeback of sorts. Doyle's comeback took on another angle for this critic because of that physical similarity.

‘The Doyle & Debbie Show' is a near perfect production in every way and Chicago is sure to embrace this hysterical duo for the holidays and beyond.

‘The Doyle & Debbie Show' is playing for a limited engagement at the Royal George Cabaret, 1641 N. Halsted St. For tickets, please call the Royal George box office at (312) 988-9000 or visit www.TicketMaster.com. For more information on the production, please visit www.doyleanddebbie.com