Amidst some particularly realistic pieces of set design, this story of Chicago's political machine unfolds with song, dance, wit and a live 10-piece band. "Old Town" is set at a fictional hotel on election night, as the Chicago voting public decides the fate of the Weltz political dynasty.
Though the play has a large—perhaps too large—cast, Kat McDonnell (as Cindy Weltz, the daughter of the man who's currently running but just can't cut it) melts nearly everyone else away. While she's musically sound, it's her raw emotion—evident in her face—that makes her worth watching. The Strawdog ensemble member always looks like she's about to burst into tears, though she never does.
John Ferrick, another ensemble member, plays campaign manager Daniel Deering with appropriate vigor for a man whose candidate is running for the presidency—of Chicago's Cook County. Like any good politician, he's got two personalities; the shady, flirtatious deal-maker, and the gentleman who longs for love.
Several elements come together to make this an enjoyable show, from the behind-the-scenes band to the perfect, focused lighting to the majestic, flowing choreography. Background bodies are always present and neither detracts from the spotlight nor adds too much to it, helping to keep the scene active and feeling like a vital night in Chicago.
While Gregor Mortis nailed casting with decisions in McDonnell, Ferrick and a few others, the play unfortunately beams a bright light on some weak links, making for an uneven viewing experience. Either a smaller, more focused cast or more McDonnell-like actors and singers would turn a play that deserves a bravo or two into one that demands a boisterous standing ovation.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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