“Skates” Rolls Into Studebaker Theater By Anna Hessel with Wes Hessel
“Skates” Rolls Into Studebaker Theater
By Anna Hessel with Wes Hessel
The world premier of the brand new feel good, clean fun musical “Skates” by Christine Rea and Rick Briskin made its debut in the beautifully restored Studebaker Theater. Let me start by saying I absolutely, positively, totally love this new ready for Broadway musical. Our turbulent world needs a brand new theatrical classic and “Skates” is it; the story of lost love to be found once again is heartwarming and fun.
A rock star returns to her Chicago pre-teen hang out Windy City Skates roller rink, her twelve year old self right by her side. The journey not only chronicles how far she and her brother have come, but their former friends journeys, as well. Her bestie was the “it” girl of the pair but the tables turn. Jacqueline Miller is the headliner for the reopening of the rink, giving a concert with her less than attentive current boyfriend, whose cheating ways have her second guessing herself. Jackie’s parents are the mom and dad we all wish we had. Her mother is a Mary Kay lady, and her father teaches her how to defend herself against bullies. Their love and support see her through her coming of age and beyond. Her twelve year old crush has become a successful techie adult, and there just might be a happy ending…
Faux skating choreography, especially by Kelvin Roston Jr. as the rink skate wizard Jack, is spot on and the music is magical, toe tapping fabulous. Jackie and Blake are played by American Idolists Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young, respectively; they are both stellar in their roles, beautiful vocals and fine acting. Mom (Cory Goodrich) and Dad (Jason Richards) harmonize beautifully and have amazing chemistry, giving flawless performances. Emma Lord is the twelve year old Jackie – she resembles her older counterpart and is believable as a tween. Adam Fane plays love interest Scott as both a boy and a man with astounding accuracy, as does Kelly Felthous (BFF Meghan). Zach Sorrow as Brad, Jackie’s brother, does a very credible job with the age transition also. The entire cast is splendid, each actor giving their all.
The show is size positive and encouraging to anyone that ever felt as if they were not enough. You are enough is a clear statement throughout the production. The costumes are well done, realistic, colorful, and perky.
I fell in love with the set the moment I walked into the theater: a classic roller rink complete with skate rental on one side and a concession counter on the other. The story is set in the 70’s and 90’s – of course,the menu board reflects 1977 in its offerings of the standard fare: pizza, hotdogs, pretzels, and chips, all with prices that are unheard of today. The classic Tab is a drink option, as are red and blue slushies, the main beverage of choice. Blue being the favorite and red for making one’s lips look sultry. Tootsie Rolls are also an intricate part of the show, appropriate for a Chitown based play. Special prop touches such as pink furry pillows and a TigerBeat Magazine invite the audience to walk down memory lane with the cast. Nostalgic, endearing, and meritorious, this first rate musical has something for everyone. You will leave the theater entertained, upbeat, and humming the fabulous score. Don’t miss Skates, it’s a winner, but it only runs now through June 26th, so forward motion to www.fineartsbuilding.com/events/skates for tickets or www.SkatesTheMusical.com for more information.
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