The Choir of Man
The Choir of Man is an exuberant and dynamic musical that showcases men's camaraderie and musical talents. Created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, this British/Irish-style production immerses the audience in a lively and friendly atmosphere. Nine men, having a few rounds, commemorate their lives in singalongs and jigs in a pub called The Jungle. The Choir of Man celebrates music, brotherhood, and the joy of living in the moment with its invigorating rhythms, captivating songs, and high-energy performances. You are part of the night's entertainment as soon as you enter the theater. The stage boasts a working bar, where you can enjoy a pint of beer while mingling with others, including some actors. This allows you to soak in the atmosphere and interact with the performers, making you feel like you are a part of the show even before it begins. Led by the seanchaí ("bearer of old lore"), Shane McDaid (Poet), the multi-instrumentalist group of lads, Marc Akinfolarin (Bore), RJ Griffith (Hard Man), Ifan Gwilym-Jones (Mastro), press night swing performer Norton James as Beast, George Knapper (Handyman), Benji Lord (Joker), Mark Loveday (Barman) and Romantic played this night by David Shute, who flawlessly performed the man version of Adele's Hello, where in perfect harmony, performing arrangements of traditional folk, pop and rock songs while dancing, and entertaining the audience. Kevin James Sievert and Cal T. King were not performing in their regular roles as Romantic and Beast. The cast also features swing members Paul Deegan and Kristian Morse. The band features Rafe Bradford (Bass), Seth Pae (Violin, Viola, and Keys), Scott Simon (Drums), and Kelan M. Smith (Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin), and the scenic set designer Oli Townsend does an excellent job turning the theater stage into an Irish style pub with a fully functional bar.
Their energetic mug-clinking, jumping on tables and the bar counter, and singing memorable songs such as Welcome To The Jungle, Hello, I'm Gonna Be, better known as 500 Miles, and 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, will get your spirits flowing. If you're fortunate enough, you may even get the chance to join them on stage for an unforgettable experience. As the show continues, they bring chilled beers to the audience and throw bags of chips into the crowd, adding to the festive atmosphere. All of the songs were exceptionally performed; however, Luther Vandross's Dance With My Father, sung by McDaid, and the Scottish traditional farewell song, The Parting Glass, sung at the end, will have you caoineadh (crying) fighting back the deora (tears). The Choir of Man is an exhilarating, nonstop, knock-you-off-your-feet, dance-and-shout 90-minute performance—a night of pure fun and entertainment you won't want to miss!
After finishing the Cappella music stage show Gobsmacked!, Andrew Kay and Nic Doodson worked on an idea based on Doodson's experiences of pub culture, male camaraderie, and pub music about men who sing in their local pubs. The first presentation, which featured a monologue writer, Ben Norris, was seen at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017 and has toured worldwide. This boy's night out pub party will surely get you raising your glass and shouting hearty cheers to the lads at this lively pub as they welcome you to The Jungle. Within 24 hours, I became increasingly drawn to this production, compelling me to adjust my star rating upward. Eventually, my fondness for this animated full-throttle performance peaked at a solid four stars.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Apollo Theater Chicago
The Choir of Man
Created by Andrew Kay & Nic Doodson
Director Nic Doodson
March 27 - May 26, 2024
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