Review: All the World’s a Stage (Quest Theatre Ensemble)

Written by Scott Lamps (music)
and Andrew Park (lyrics)
at Blue Theatre, 1609 W. Gregory
thru March 20 | tix: FREE | more info

Indulgent and in need of editing

Storytelling is a personal and very specific art form, requiring time, dedication and the ability to look at one's personal (and often painful) experiences with a critical eye. The cast of Quest Theatre Ensemble's All the World's a Stage are actors, musicians and dancers - often a combination of two or three - but most appear relatively new to storytelling. Over the course of six weeks, the seven actors collaborated with director Andrew Park and composer Scott Lamps to create a two-and-a-half hour production of their personal experiences. Perhaps with a longer writing and rehearsal process, All the World's a Stage might be a tighter, more universal theatrical experience. At the very least, with more time and editing, it may be watchable.

Before diving into this review, I want to say that everyone has the right to their own experiences, and to the expression of said experiences. The cast of All the World's a Stage share life-changing moments through story and song, and many of these moments are dark, involving addiction, disease, debilitation and loss. In no way do I want to discount these experiences, or the bravery in sharing them with strangers. Art and storytelling are unifying and often healing - always have been and always will be.

However, sharing these experiences with an audience - who in the case of Quest may not be paying money but are definitely giving their time - in the form of a theatrical production, isn't as easy as getting up on stage and talking. In recent years the lost art of storytelling has been resurrected through radio shows such as "This American Life," public events like The Moth and the many spinoffs and shows inspired by the above. But all of these productions involve hours, sometimes weeks and months, of gathering information, working within parameters, and most of all, editing. What will draw in the audience from the first second? How does this particular story set itself apart from the millions of others readily available in this digital age?

All the World's a Stage contains none of this awareness, critique or self-editing. It's not that these seven actors' life experiences aren't important - they definitely are. I'm just still not sure, a day after viewing the show, why exactly I should care. At over two hours long, the runtime alone is indulgent, as is the format. The performed stories aren't well-written or crafted with an audience in mind, often resorting to clichés, and in performing them, the actors become so overcome with emotion that they repeatedly stumble over words. There's a lot of hugging and crying within the cast, and it feels like watching group therapy. I'm glad they're dealing and bonding, but it's almost uncomfortable to watch, like I shouldn't even be in the room.

A successful, effective, deeply moving production of personal stories and original songs is entirely feasible. Unlike All the World's a Stage , however, it would involve a longer rehearsal process and a deeper knowledge of the storytelling art form. This feels like a first draft: its heart is in the right place, but its pieces are scattered and its actors too raw.

All the World's a Stage continues through March 20th at Blue Theatre, 1609 W. Gregory (map), with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays 2pm. Tickets are free, but reservations are highly recommended. More information at QuestEnsemble.org. (Running time: 2 hours 15 minutes, includes an intermission. Note: Because of sensitive subject matter, show recommended for ages 12+)

behind the scenes

Andrew Park (director, projections design), Sara Cate Langham (musical director), Kristen Neria (scenic design), Katerina Papadatos (costume design), Eric Vigo (lighting design), Sam Cejtin (co-projections design), Jack Mecherle (sound design), Julie Taylor (scenic artist, spotlight operator), Emily Kefferstan (production manager), Ashlee Rowland (rehearsal stage manager), Joaquin Gomez (performance stage manager), Melissa Golden (asst. stage manager), KC Matthews (asst. director), Braxton Black (photos)

Tags: 16-0232, Andrew Park, Ashlee Rowland, Blue Theatre, Braxton Black, Chicago musical theater, Chicago Theater, Darcie Bender-Hubber, Emily Kefferstan, Eric Vigo, Hannah Starr, Jack Mecherle, Joaquin Gomez, Julie Taylor, Katerina Papadatos, KC Matthews, Kent Joseph, Kiki Ciesielski, Kristen Neria, Melissa Golden, Molly LeCaptain, Nate Buursma, post, Quest Theatre Ensemble, Sam Cejtin, Sara Cate Langham, Scott Lamps, Vince Lonergan

Category: 2016 Reviews, Blue Theatre, Lauren Whalen, Musical, New Work, Quest Theatre, World Premier