Steadstyle Chicago
	September 2009 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff
	Animal Crackers It is said that "laughter is good for what ails you" and I truly believe this to be true.  One of the biggest hits during the Great Depression was a show written by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind called "Animal Crackers" that allowed the audience a chance to escape from what was going on in the world.   From the stage, it became a movie featuring the Marx Brothers (for whom it was truly written) and then went away, only to be reborn again in 1999.  But now another rebirth is taking place at our own Goodman Theatre, an updated version using some of the original material that had been cut and put into a streamlined slick and rib splitting musical comedy.  This is the perfect time as we are also going through some hard times, not as severe as the Great Depression, but for some a period of great strife about employment, education, health care, security and many, who have jobs, afraid of what the next day will hold for them.  It is at times such as these that we need to laugh, to take ourselves away from the pressures surrounding our everyday lives and for just two plus hours have some fun. Well, that is what The Goodman Theatre is offering us on its Albert Stage.  A nine member cast taking on all the roles and ensemble in this inane, highly energetic song and dance musical filled with sub-plots, mystery, and some of the absolute best actors/singers/dancers to hit a Chicago stage.  Many of these actors take on multiple roles and have some of the quickest costume changes I have ever seen.  The set by Robin Vest and the lighting by Matthew Richards are spectacular.  Jenny Mannis has designed and brought to stage some marvelous costumes and Douglas Peck's music is right on beat.  The choreography by  John Carrafa is Broadway perfect and the direction of the entire production by Henry Wishcamper (who also did the adaptation) is obviously a work of true love. Talking about true love, the music and lyrics of Bert Kalima and Harry Ruby have never sounded so great.  "Hooray For Captain Spaulding", "Three Little Words" and many other tunes will astound you as delivered by Ed Kross, Mara Davi, Jessie Mueller and Tony Yazbeck.  The big dance with Yazbeck and Mara Davy is a show stopper.  Ora Jones shows off her comic touch as Mrs. Rittenhouse and Stanley Wayne Mathis is sheer perfection in his dual roles, but the key to this production being as powerful as it is are the three Marx Brothers. Molly Brennan, who is known for her physical comedy as part of the 500 Clown Troupe is The Professor (aka Harpo) and she is Dynamite (yes, with a capital D).  Johnathan Brody does a great Emanual Ravelli (aka Chico) hitting the heights of the misunderstood "Italian" and plays a mean piano.  And of course Joey Slotnick of Lookingglass note handles the role of the infamous Captain Spaulding (aka Groucho) as if he were born to play the role.  His movement, voice and facial expressions are indeed what I recall early Groucho to be and he plays the audience to perfection. Slotnick even made a slight error into a three minute bit that had the audience roaring, sign of a pure genius.  Or is he so into the role that for this run he has become Groucho, or perhaps Groucho has become him?  Doesn't matter which, he is wonderful!  I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Paul Kalina, another of the 500 Clown Troupe, did the "clowning direction," not something you see in many programs, but he is one of the most physical actors I have ever seen on any stage and can make moves that are almost acrobatic.  Anything to draw a laugh.  He is a great teacher, because this cast did the slapstick as if it was part of their everyday lives.  I hope it isn't. If someone were to tell you you had one wish to be granted regarding seeing any musical production you wanted, I would suggest you choose this one.  It will only be here through October 25, 2009.  I am hopeful that they can extend the run so that more of you get the opportunity to witness the pure magic that the Goodman is presenting to start their season.  How are they going to top this one?  There is nothing like live theater and the Goodman offers us one of the greatest variety of live theater in Chicago or possibly anywhere.  We should be thankful to their board for bringing us what they do and taking chances that allow us to have the times of our lives!  Find a way, any way that you can to see this masterpiece and "laugh your troubles away". The performance schedule is Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m  thru 10/11, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. from 10/10-10/24, Thursday matinees at 2 p.m. 10/1-10/15.  There will be a Tuesday performance on 10/13 at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets range from $25-$76 and are available at the box office located at 170 N. Dearborn, by phone at 312-443-3800 or online at www.GoodmanTheatre.org.  The $25 discounted tickets are Mezztix, half price Mezzanine tickets available each day for the same day, subject to availability at box office and online only.  There are 10TIX for students with ID, $10 for a mezzanine ticket, also subject to availability and same day as performance.    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.