Steadstyle Chicago
	April 2008 Theatre Review by Meghan Gillogly
	Looking for a Ticket Broker? Check out the hottest broadway tickets from Gotickets.com Fiorello! Critical Evaluation: **** out of **** (Left) Rebecca Finnegan and PJ Powers; (Right) Andy Nagraj, Dan Loftus, Terry Hamilton, Thomas M. Shea, Steve Best and Joe Savino in TimeLine Theatre’s remount of its award-winning musical "Fiorello!".  Photos by Lara Goetsch. I do believe Timeline has hit another home run with this year's production of "Fiorello!"  The winner for outstanding musical 2007 for a Joseph Jefferson citation is emphatically evident for this year's run.  "Fiorello!" tells the abridged life story in a musical format of the life, both personal and professional, of Fiorello LaGuardia.  His ideals and tactics used against corruption in New York City as a lawyer and eventual mayor won the hearts of many oppressed people of the city and helped raise him into power. It made him one of the most outspoken and looked up to politicians of the 20th century.  PJ Powers did an outstanding job of depicting such an earthy, gutsy quality of a man like LaGuardia that made you feel the hope and sheer will of many of our family's histories today.  Powers made LaGuardia into a real human being and not someone you read about in history books or learn about in school.  He was lovable, relatable and most of all talented in his interpretation of such a powerful yet sensitive man in our country's history.  You don't often see a musical where every cast member is as equally talented in singing as they are in acting but this one proves to be one of those rarities.  Every single ensemble member had perfect intonation as well as strong projection, clarity of diction and expressiveness that only comes from highly talented musical theater actors.  My favorite scenes in the play came from the corrupt politicians that made a lot of the "behind-the-scenes" decision-making in who runs and who wins the political races in New York City.  Jerry Bock's music and Sheldon Harnick's lyrics are genius and the beautiful arrangements complement the story as well as the actors who sing them.  Songs like "I Love a Cop" and "Politics and Poker" had me giggling and impressed with the sharp wit of the composer and lyricist.  The songs that had me reaching for tissue and evoked emotional responses were "Till Tomorrow" and "When Did I Fall in Love."   The creative implementation of projected images against hanging linens that were part of the set helped create the time and period of pre and post WWI that added a three dimensional feel to the production.  It was enlightening especially to the members of the audience who are not as well versed on the occurrences of WWI.  This was a top-notch musical that is worth remounting for years to come.  Bravo Timeline!    "Fiorello!" at Timeline Theatre, 615 W.Wellington Ave., Chicago is about 2 hours and 45 minutes in length and has a 10 minute intermission.  It runs from April 13-June 15, 2008 and tickets are $25-$30 and can be ordered by calling 773-281-TIME or visit timelinetheatre.com.   About Meghan Gillogly Meghan Gillogly was born and raised in Florida and has been involved with the arts since the age of two years old.  She started as a dancer in everything from tap, jazz, ballet  and some ballroom and taught in Orlando for a year.  She had the opportunity to study and perform with the Sarasota Ballet of Florida, with Frank Hatchett, a master choreographer from NYC, and danced on Disney's Cinderella castle stage.  She became involved with the theater at nine years old with a local community theater and was hooked ever since.  Throughout high school she performed  in many classic plays including "Guys and Dolls," "Me and my Girl," "Once Upon a Mattress," and "Good News".  After high school, she attended and studied musical theater at Florida State University, Florida Southern College, American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, and is currently enrolled at Columbia College here in Chicago to complete her Bachelor's degree.  She also had the pleasure of studying with Michael Pieper at Second City, a talented and colorful director.  She moved to Chicago two years ago and loves it!  Meghan has had experience with creative and analytical writing most recently when reviewing "Massacre" at the Goodman Theatre this past spring for class.   Upon graduating from Columbia, Meghan plans to pursue a professional career as an actress on stage and film and is excited at the great opportunities Chicago offers to all of the arts professionally.   She is grateful for the opportunity to work with Steadstyle and see some of the world's best actors perform here in Chicago.  She also looks forward to not only experiencing the performances but becoming educated as she is a budding actress herself!