At Chicago Shakes, It’s “Play On!”

By Wes Hessel with D’Arcy Mies

Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier’s production of “Play On!” is “Twelfth Night” set in the Harlem Renaissance. It starts with great outfits, including a costume design display in the lobby. The plot definitely stays true to and close with Shakespeare’s original, but I was delighted that this modern retelling, while contracting and simplifying the story, also allows for characters to experience personal growth in a way that the original, bound by societal mores and class structures, did not.

Lots of fun for fans of “Twelfth Night” to see what liberties are taken with the original and the Easter eggs hidden within, but also great on its own for those who aren’t familiar with the mothership. Featuring the music of Duke Ellington and only so much dialogue, it is full of upbeat, energetic ensemble numbers with great vocalists, the dancing entertaining and pervasive, the cast sharp as the creases on their suit slacks. Audiences love this jukebox musical, a great, joyful celebration honoring the time and place of the Harlem Renaissance and Duke Ellington, as well as an excellent adaptation of the Bard’s classic. These smooth tunes, though, will fade out October 18th, so “Take the ‘A’ Train” to www.chicagoshakes.com for tickets or more information. 

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