Songs for Everybodies
By Anna Hessel
Northlight Theater’s one-woman show, “Songs for Nobodies”, is a simply stellar piece of theatrical magic starring Chicagoland favorite, the multi-talented Bethany Thomas. Ms. Thomas gives a heartwarming and fabulous performance; her characters are loveable and spot-on. This delightful and thought provoking play with music is well written and entertaining; there is something for everybody.
Portraying several different characters without a costume change, especially when a bevy of those being characterized are well known entertainers, is a very daunting task but Bethany accomplishes this with ease of transition and realism. One of my favorite portrayals is that of a newspaper maven, nicknamed “Too Junior” and a bit of a hard boiled good old girl, longing to leave the fashion pages and eager for a meaty assignment. She gets her big break, an interview with the reluctant to speak Billy Holiday. Ms. Holiday is also portrayed with heart and substance.
Judy Garland and Patsy Cline are both realistically embodied. Other females that are in the shadows of the iconic women are acted out flawlessly, such as a theater usher who gets her chance to bring Patsy some luck by singing backup just hours before Cline’s fatal plane crash. We learn that happiness is not always what we expect and there is no such thing as a nobody. We are all somebody, restroom matron or legendary diva – we are equally created by God.
One of the most poignant portraits is of the daughter of a concentration camp survivor whose escape was aided by Edith Piaf. Ms. Thomas delights the audience, singing in French as Piaf; her voice, whether in English or French, is beautiful, strong, and melodic. Equally truthful was her portrayal of a nanny on a yacht in the Mediterranean, which segued into a stirring vocal characterization of opera star Maria Callas, a fellow passenger.
The elegant simplicity of the set adds to the beautiful ambiance of this theatrical work. A one-woman one-act must have wonderful costuming and her outfit is classically stylish – a black cocktail length dress with a lace bodice, and shrug which is removed midway through the show. Understated glitz in the form of a ring, bracelet, barrette, and earrings add another femininie aspect to this stunning ensemble. The attire takes one back to yesteryear, as do the mid-heel spectator-like Mary Janes which complete the look.
Bethany has both beauty and stage presence; she utilizes the dias very well and is completely at ease with each female she brings to life. In closing, all I can say is don’t miss this play, it is a rare gem. “Songs for Nobodies” is playing now through October 31st; for tickets or more information, go to www.northlight.org.
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