Steadstyle Chicago
	November 2009 Theatre Review by Nicholas Ryan Lamb
	David Bowie’s Christmas Special 1977 In 1843 Charles Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol”.  This show has undoubtedly become one of the nations for treasured classics in literature.  In the theatrical world it graces the stage every Christmas in Chicago and other cities throughout the United States.  It tells the story of a money pincher who hates Christmas.  He is visited by Freddy Mercury’s ghost in the past, present, and future?  Wait a second...wrong show...wrong script.  There is a new Christmas staple and it goes by the name of “The David Bowie Hepzikat Funky Velvet Flarney Solstice Spectacular Live...From Space!” or “The David Bowie Christmas Special 1977”.  David Robert Jones (Bowie) hosts a family friendly, if that family was the Addams’, TV special that showcases the talents of the collagen looking Mick Jagger, the manly Annie Lennox, the coherent Iggy Pop, the sober Marianne Faithfull, Bizarro Bowie (name says it all...wait add glam confetti), the woman chasing Freddie Mercury, the “I wish she was my next door neighbor” Charo, Paul Linde who is the only man to take permanent residency in his Hollywood square, “Adventures in Babysitting” Bing Crosby, and lastly zat Buster Poindexter chap.  This motley crew joined together to celebrate this wholesome season gets ambushed by the Labyrinth-cod-pieced Bowie with hair that could rival Tina Turner.  Epic battles ensue on this duct tape colored set.  Be prepared to be wowed by duets you thought you would never see again including the Freddy Mercury transformations ending in his “Philadelphia” days. To be this cast sitting down at the first read through had to have been interesting.  You get cast in some great rockonic characters of the day and can only imagine what road you will be taken down.  What these actors brought to the stage was nothing less than phenomenal.  Every comedic bit was carefully timed, improvised, and capitalized on.  There were definitely some performances that stood out for me and made me want them to come back the moment they left the stage.  Kyle Greer as Freddie Mercury will leave you wishing you brought needle and thread to sew up your split sides from laughing.  Not an easy person to spoof due to his iconic vocal abilities but Kyle found that great balance of us believing he could be and then at the same time rolling in our seats.  Company member Matt Russell brought his “A” game to the table.  His delivery and ability to quip, verbal spar, and stretch the needed laughs to the perfect bulging size was impeccable.  Every actor brought out a greatness and commitment to their persons that would normally make an actor self conscious.  Watching a show like this you can’t help but be entertained and look forward to what’s happening next.  A great space to house this script in, amazing cast that above all put the fun in dysfunctional, and kept me wanting more.  Make this show a part of your holiday cheer. "The David Bowie Hepzikat Velvet Flarney Solstice Spectacular&ldots;Live From Space!" or "David Bowie’s Christmas Special 1977 (Network Edit)" runs Friday and Saturday nights at 10:30 pm, November 13 through December 19, 2009 at National Pastime Theater, 4139 N. Broadway in Chicago.  Advance tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.nmtchicago.org or reserved by calling 312-458-9083.   $10 student and industry tickets are available and a limited number of ½ price tickets will be made available through Goldstar.com and Hot Tix.    About Nicholas Ryan Lamb Nicholas Lamb is a graduate from Illinois State Universities acting program with a secondary focus on directing.  He is also a graduate from SAK Universities improv school.  As an accomplished actor he has performed in dozens of shows with his most notable credits including the title role in "Scrooge" the musical, Adan in Milcha Sanchez Scott's "Roosters" and Nicely Nicely Johnson in "Guys and Dolls".  He was last seen on stage as Matt in "The Fantasticks".  Some of his most known directing works are "Barefoot in the Park", "The Secret Garden", and the well received "Birdbath".  Not only has he worked numerously with acting and directing but his training also includes the technical areas of theatre as well as film work.  He has directed in both Illinois and Florida for over 7 years.  He most recently directed the children's shows of "Charlotte's Web", "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp", and "Pinocchio".  His palette for theatre is that of a culinary connoisseur.  Theatre is something to go in with an open mind, which is how he approaches each show he critiques.