Steadstyle Chicago
	July 2008 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff
	Looking for a Ticket Broker? Check out the hottest broadway tickets from Gotickets.com tick, Tick...BOOM! It amazes me that Chicago residents have not found the greatest little park in the Edgewater area called Berger Park.  Here on Sheridan Road, just North of Granville, is a magical spot overlooking Lake Michigan, a playground area for the little ones, two buildings for classes and other typical Park District "stuff" but of even greater importance a theater and a restaurant Dawghaus with a great Lake View at no extra charge.  The theater is small, but the current production, "tick,Tick...BOOM"  is an explosive 90 minutes of music by Jonathan Larson that appears to be his own story and his life prior to his "Rent" becoming the cult smash rock opera that has made his memory one that will last for years to come. This is a three character play with music.  As one listens to the music at the very onset "30/90", you can hear some of the melody lines from "Rent".  In a role that he fits well, Eric Michaels plays Jonathan, who is facing his 30th birthday, thus the clock ticking away until the boom comes, and is still a waiter while his roommate is moving up the corporate ladder and out of their shared apartment to a luxury condo on the East Side of Manhattan.  Aaron Dore is solid in the role of Michael and handles a few phone call roles with a great comic touch.  Lindsay Naas gives a powerful performance Jonathan's girlfriend, Susan and is a delight to watch in this role and the few others she handles.  When they sing together, these performers have a great vocal blend and despite having a smallish audience for a Friday night, put on one heck of a show. Directed by Frank Pullen (who also runs the restaurant), this intimate piece moves very well in this newly remodeled "Coach House Theater".  I was a little concerned about the lack of ventilation as they closed off the open screens/windows, but then again, you need to have total concentration on the play and every night will not be following a 90 degree day.  The set is just some platforms and brick walls/partitions and there are a couple of stools.  That's it.  This show works, not because of sets, costumes, props or even lighting.  It works because the music is Jonathan Larson, the story is about him and the three actors are very talented in both acting and singing. If you love "Rent", you need to see this show!  If you want to support new theater groups in Chicago, then you owe it to yourself to take a look at this young troupe, Journeymen Theater in the Moment!  If you want a new experience, go to Berger Park and  relax with a great Chicago hot dog and then spend 90 minutes enjoying a nice little production.  "tick,Tick...BOOM" runs through August 2, 2008 with performances at 7 p.m.  For info call 773-857-5395 or visit www.thejourneymen.org.   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 EpochTimes.  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.