Steadstyle Chicago
	February 2010 Theatre Review by Chris Arnold
	The Timeless Tale of New Portsmouth I truly respect Donny's Skybox Theatre for being an incubator for new work, especially in this economy.  A caveat to seeing new work (especially comedy) is you may see a flop or triumph.  I am sorry to say that "The Timeless Tale of New Portsmouth...A New Musical" is the former, more so than the latter. The musical tells the tale of New Portsmouth, a small fishing community being looked upon by a giant clock tower.  Conflict arises when a group of businessmen, and a woman, come to the town with an interest in making it a place of the future.  Not only does potential change bring in a battle of new ways versus tradition, but also springs a love story. I was optimistic upon entering the intimate space with The Decemberists piping over the speakers, and an opening number reminiscent of "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd".  After this I spent the next 60 minutes waiting for those few moments of inspiration.  "The Timeless Tale of New Portsmouth...A New Musical" has potential, but lacks definite choices all around.  It did not know if it wanted to be a parody of musical theatre, or an original comic musical.  I felt it found more success in parody than originality.  The acting was equally muddled with poor diction, and everyone acting in his/her own play. I was not a fan of the play, but I do respect the production.  With little, or possibly no money, a design aesthetic was created.  The choreography was energetic and fun, and Musical Director Stephanie McCullough plays with commitment and fervor.  I wanted to like this play, but it is not ready for a paying audience. "The Timeless Tale of New Portsmouth...A New Musical" plays through March 5, 2010 at Donny's Skybox Theatre, 1608 North Wells Street.  Tickets are $12 for the general public, and $10 for students.  Tickets can be purchased by calling (312) 642-8189, or www.secondcity.com.  Performances are Fridays at 7:30pm.   About Chris Arnold Chris Arnold has been in Chicago for seven years where he has directed for Act One Studios, the side project, Bailiwick, Illinois Theatre Center, LiveWire Theater, and Diamante Productions, amongst others.  For three years he was a company member with Circle Theatre, and directed the Jeff Recommended productions "Escanaba in Love" and "Boy".  He also directed "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with Circle Theatre Youth Ensemble.  He is the former Associate Artistic Director for Thunder & Lightning Ensemble where he directed "Jack Goes Boating," "Red Light Winter" (Named one of the top five memorable productions by a smaller troupe: New City 2008), and "Earl the Vampire".  Chris has interned at Steppenwolf and Goodman Theatre.  While at the Goodman he had the opportunity to serve as the Script Manager for the world premiere of "Blue Surge" by Rebecca Gilman.  When not directing Chris teaches in the Literature & Theatre Department(s) at The Chicago Academy for the Arts, where he has directed "Doubt" and "The Pillowman".  He writes for Chicagocritic.com, and is a member of the Artistic/Technical Team for the Jeff Committee.  Spring 2010 Chris will be a Teaching Artists with American Theatre Company as part of their American Mosaic Program.  He holds an MFA in Directing (with a focus in Critical Studies) from The University of Memphis.