Steadstyle Chicago
	May 2009 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff
	Sunday in the Park With George Many art lovers have fallen in love with Georges Seurat's "Sunday Afternoon on The Island of La Grande Jatte," a masterpiece that consumed the artist, both his physical being and his emotions.  The love of the work he created was transformed into a musical production written by James Lapine with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.  Chicago area theater patrons can now see a new version of this wonderful story brought to us by the Big Noise Theatre Company in the lovely little Prairie Lakes Theater in Des Plaines. Most people, when they hear Des Plaines will probably think "Community Theater," but guess again!  This production is of the quality that we might get at a Marriott Lincolnshire or a Drury Lane.  Director Rick Frendt not only directs, but has designed the set, created the animation and designed the projections that are used to bring this production to such a high standard.  It is almost as if this man took on the mindset of the artist himself, making sure that each part of the production reached the perfection needed to create a piece of theatrical art for audiences to cherish and remember.  Bravo, Mr. Frendt! The cast is superior, each actor playing more than one part as we start the story in 1884 Paris, then proceed to a modern day artist (his great grandson) 100 years later.  These men are both absorbed with art and perfection and the story of the creation of this masterpiece is a wonderful experience to watch unfold.  The movement throughout the show is not called choreography as this is a musical with no dance, instead body movement is created and brought to life by Nancy Flaster.  Each actor must be placed in just the right spot to bring this painting to life. Sondheim's music and lyrics are storytelling and not typical "musical" songs, but after all this is Sondheim and one can only relish listening to the creations that come from his mind.  Songs like "Putting it Together", "Move On" and "Sunday" in the second act will leave you speechless.  Each Sondheim song has a reason and fits the story to perfection.  And the handling of these words and melodies by Scott J. Sumerak (as Georges and George) and Jeny Wasiliewski (Dot and Marie) were dynamic despite both of them having a bit of a sore throat or cold.  They both hit every note and we heard every word as it was written.  Watch for these names.  I am sure you will see more of them in theaters around Chicago very soon. The supporting cast assembled for this production is also wonderful.  This is not an ensemble/chorus type show.  Each performer has to create a character and not just fit into a crowd and this cast does just that.  Ann Stuart, Julia Macholl, David Laub, Morra Miller-Preiss, Ron Goldstein, Ashley Stricker Peter, Emile Frake, Mia Vaananen, Mark Anderson, Sarah Jane Blevins, Mike Weaver, David Whitlock and Steve Malone should all be proud of what they have brought to this production.  Each actor, as with the director, has taken this piece to the level of a work of art, not just a play.  And the musical direction by Ryan Brewster and his five musicians fills the auditorium with the wonderful music of the master.  Sondheim would give you a standing ovation. If you have never seen this play but have seen the painting, you will want to see this production.  If you love Sondheim's works, then you must see this production.  Time is limited.  You only have until May 17, 2009.  The performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.  Tickets are only $20, $18 for seniors and $12 for kids under 12, and can be purchased by calling  847-604-0275 or online at www.bignoisetheatre.org.  The Prairie Lakes Theater is located at 515 E. Thacker Street (Dempster just west of Wolf Rd) in Des Plaines with plenty of free parking.   About Alan Bresloff Alan Bresloff, once an actor himself, has been covering the Chicago Theater Scene since 1993, first as the Theater and Arts critic for LaRaza newspaper, then with Salsachicago.com and then onto Extra Newspaper and The Epoch Times.  He also writes for ElImparcial and TeleGuia.  His reviews can also be seen on www.theatreinchicago.com.  Alan does not call himself a "critic" but a "reviewer" as he tries to educate the reader about theater itself, what is a good value, what to look for in a play or musical and more.  "Exposure to theater is a very important part of a young person's life" he says. "Learning about the arts and culture is in fact learning about life" and he tries to explain more in his reviews than just if it is good or bad.  Even some of the poor productions have some value, he often says and he would love your feedback on shows that you have seen.  You can write him here or at albresloff@sbcglobal.net.