** Somewhat Recommended ** Hundred Days is another casualty of the pandemic, forced to close on opening night. Kokandy Productions has chosen to bring it back in a new venue, the Chopin Theatre in Wicker Park. I’m not quite sure what to say about Hundred Days. On one hand, I saw incredible talent, on the other, I really didn’t like the show. I think this show is one that people will either love it or hate. 2 Spotlights
In a nutshell, the Bengsons – Abigail (Emilie Modaff) and Shaun (Alan Phan alternating with Royen Kent) – met, fell in love and got married in three weeks. Just like Abigail’s dream, they found out that Sean had just 100 days to live. They decided to compress a life’s experience into those 100 days. Hundred Days is their story.
The story is told in something called folk-punk music. The ensemble cast, Grace Bobber (primarily on Bass), David Gordon-Johnson (primarily on guitar), Lucas “Looch” Johnson (drums), Brennan Urbi (primarily guitar) and Melanie Vitaterna (primarily accordion and flute) are all incredible musicians, most playing more than one instrument in the course of the 
show. They all have amazing voices as well.
Whenever Modaff was front and center, there was a good blend of music and lyrics. Unfortunately, the music was so loud, it tended to drown out the voices. Opening night, Alan Phan’s beautiful but soft voice was lost in the accompaniment. In the Coney Island conversation between Shaun and Abigail, I could only hear about one word in four.
The production is in the lower level venue at Chopin Theatre, which is very small. Maybe the problem was too many musicians for a very small space
Note: Guests must show proof of vaccination before entering the theater. Guests are required to wear masks while inside the building.
Kokandy Productions’ Hundred Days runs through January 9th at The Chopin Theater, 1543 W Division St. Chicago. Free parking is available at Holy Trinity Church, Division & Noble, one block east. Unmetered street parking on Division Street between Noble & Bosworth. Running time is 75 minutes, no intermission. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8:00 pm, Sunday at 5:00 pm. Tickets range from $30 - $38. FYI www.kokandyproductions.com.