Review: Joy to the World! (Theo-Ubique Cabaret Theatre)

  
  
Joy to the World 

Directed by Fred Anzevino
Music Direction by Jeremy Ramey
at No Exit Café, 6970 N. Glenwood (map)
thru Dec 23  |  tickets: $25   |  more info
  
Check for half-price tickets 
  
  
      
  

---

A joyful and jazzy sound to ring in the holidays!

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre presents

Joy to the World

Review by K.D. Hopkins

Theo Ubique presents yet another awesome opportunity to see and hear some of the best singing in Chicago. Director Fred Anzevino has put together a pared down in scale, but giant in musical quality, cabaret for the 2012 holiday season. If you are loathe to acknowledge that it’s the most wonderful time of the year, park your purchases in the trunk and spend an hour at No Exit Café.

Justin Adair, Amanda Hartley, Amanda Horvath, and Michael Reyes sing twelve of the best loved tunes for the holidays and give each song a unique yet familiar touch. Justin Adair tugs at the soul of loneliness with “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”. Amanda Hartley is a fireball in the style of the great Betty Hutton putting sass and star quality into “The Man With The Bag”. Amanda Horvath is the girl next door with a sweet version of “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts Roasting). Michael Reyes is another star in the making with a smooth Johnny Mathis feel in “What Are You Doing New Years Eve”.

The quartet is in perfect harmony on other

hits such as “Holly Jolly Christmas” done in classic doo wop style. The opening “Jingle Bells” shoots right out of the cannon in several styles and rhythms. All of the buzz without the eggnog.

The singers are accompanied by Music Director Jeremy Ramey on piano and Zachary Moore on bass. Ramey jams on the piano in music hall style and has a lot of fun as well. Moore underscores the music and adds an extra bit of rhythm to boot.

Take time out to check out Joy To The World this year as part of your holiday planning, where you’ll listen to some great Christmas classics in a cozy setting.  And if you feel the need to take the chill off, there’s a full bar to fill yourself with liquid holiday cheer.  It’s a big Broadway sound in a small cabaret in Rogers Park. Bring your family or your honey with a bit of mistletoe stashed for later.   Happy Holidays!

Rating: ★★★

Joy to the World continues through December 23rd at No Exit Café, 6970 N. Glenwood (map), with performances Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm.  Tickets are $25, and are available by phone (800-595-4849) or online through Tix.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). Add a pre-show meal for an extra $25; doors open one hour prior (see menu).  More information at Theo-U.com.  (Running time: 1 hour, no intermission)

Photos by David Heimann

---

artists

cast

Justin Adair, Amanda Hartley, Amanda Horvath, Michael Reyes

behind the scenes

Fred Anzevino (director), Jeremy Ramey (piano and musical direction), Zachary Moore (bass), David Heimann (photos)