Steadstyle Chicago
	October 2009 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff
	C'est La Vie Light Opera Works of Evanston is noted for their large orchestra productions at Cahn Auditorium in Evanston and their smaller musical productions on their second stage in Evanston.  Their large productions are those well known favorites and classics and on the second stage, a much more intimate venue, they do smaller cast musicals that are not done as often.  Their current little production is "C'est La Vie," which was done many years ago at The Theatre Building Chicago under the title "La Vie Ennui" and has traveled about the world since then, now arriving in Evanston. The time is 1950 in France.  The stage is Chez Leplee, a small run down cabaret where we are witness to a special show for one evening only.  Two of the washed up cabaret singers, Dominique (Kelly Anne Clark) and Fatiguee Fourbue (Jennifer Chada) have sent their employer off on a wild goose chase so they can sing their own songs instead of imitating Edith Piaf and only doing her music. Directed and choreographed by Rudy Hogenmiller, I found this 90 minute show (with no intermission) a bit slow and lacking of energy.  I know that this may have been just a Sunday matinee let-down after a big Friday night opening and a Saturday night show as well.  Perhaps too much weekend partying took place and once they get in routine they will rest for the Sunday show as well.  Based on the songs in the show, I would think that more energy would enliven the audience and I know that performers draw energy from audience reaction, but it seems that the performers have to start the ball rolling. Conductor/Music Director/Pianist Jeremy Ramey tried his best to pump up the crowd and cast but it just didn't happen until the last 15 minutes when Ms Chada belted out her "Song of Escape" and something special took place (not to be revealed...it is a surprise).  The ladies started with a bang and ended with a bang, but somewhere in the middle it was a bit lost.  The book written by Gregg Opelka is not really strong.  It is more of a story to link his songs, for which he wrote both the music and lyrics as well.  The songs are lovely with words that are meaningful to the production and the frustrations in the performers lives (the roles they play, not theirs).  Cabaret is strong in Chicago with many places ready to give you solid entertainment.  In most cases, you will find yourselves enjoying a drink with music you know.  In this show, there is no alcohol and no familiar songs, but if they can get the energy up to where I heard it was Fridays night, you will have some fun.  The ladies are sexy!  The music is sexy!  Even the piano player is sexy!  After all, life is a Cabaret, isn't it? "C'est La Vie" will continue through November 15, 2009 at Light Opera Works' second stage located at  1420 N. Maple in Evanston.  Maple is just East of Ridge and north of Dempster with lots of fee parking.  Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m.  Tickets range from  $24-$39 and are available by calling 847-869-6300 or online at www.LightOperaWorks.com.  There are lots of great places to dine in Evanston, as well.   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.