**** Recommended Revolution(s) is a rock musical, combining punk, hip-hop and metal – with decibel levels to match – but it’s not a jukebox musical. Although there are some familiar tunes, most of the music is new. Zayd Ayers Dohrn’s play has an actual plot, even though it was a bit convoluted and therefore confusing to me what with two different timelines with somewhat parallel experiences. 4 Spotlights
Those two timelines – one involving a couple, the other involving their twin sons – are both set on the South Side of Chicago.
When Hampton Falk-Weems (Aaron James McKenzie) got home from Afghanistan, he just wanted to play his guitar. He didn’t even call his mother until his twin brother, Ernesto “Ernie” Falk-Weems (Jakeim Hart) came by.
While the twins’ father, Sunny Weems (Michael Earvin Martin), was in the army, someone broke all his fingers, so he got a dishonorable discharge. Back on the South Side, his cousin got him a job as a janitor at a high school. One evening, he met a young, white teacher, Emma Falk (Jackie Burns), and they started dating, eventually getting married. Sunny and Emma became modern-day Robin Hoods, robbing the rich and distributing whatever they got to the poor on the South Side.
As the police were catching up, Sunny got pregnant, so they went into hiding. After the twins were born, they enjoyed family life until the police caught up with them. Sunny decided to take a plea so Emma could raise their sons. After visiting their father in prison throughout their childhood, the twins refuse to visit him now.
As a veteran and a musician, Hampton becomes part of the resistance. His struggle really parallels his father’s. He gradually began to understand his father’s positions, leading to forgiveness. The music selections really reflect the South Siders struggle.
There are no bad seats in the Goodman’s Owen Theatre. My friend and I were in the first row, so we were regretting our decision to forego ear plugs. We shouldn’t have worried, the speaker positioning is nothing like a rock concert. No matter where you sit, you’ll enjoy a rock concert that is not deafening.
Also appearing: Al’Jaleel McGhee, Billy Rude and Alysia Velez. The ensemble includes Haley Gustafson, Christopher Kelley, Eric A. Lewis, Jarais Musgrove, AJ Paramo and Kendal Marie Wilson.
The Revolution(s) Orchestra: Paul Mutzabaugh (Music Director/Associate Music Supervisor/Conductor/Bass); Jo Ann Daugherty (Associate Conductor/Keyboards); Dan Leali (Drumset, Percussion); Gary Guzman (Acoustic & Electric Guitar); Chris Siebold (Acoustic & Electric Guitar).
Revolution(s) was written by Zayd Ayers Dohrn with Music and Lyrics by Tom Morello Rock & Roll Hall of Fame), with additional lyrics by Boots Riley, Big Boi, Killer Mike, Knife Party, Grandson, Ryan Harvey, Matt Schultz, Chris Stapleton and Anne Preven. The World Premiere is directed by Steve H. Broadnax III.
Revolution(s) has been extended through November 22nd in the Owen Theatre at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago. Most reasonable parking option for the Goodman is the Government Center garage (entrance on Lake Street between LaSalle and Dearborn), online advance payment at www.interparkonline.com/goodmantheatre.
Running time is about two hours, 10 minutes, with an intermission. Performances are Wednesdays & Fridays at 7:30 pm; Thursdays & Saturdays at 2:00 & 7:30 pm; and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets range from $34-$104. FYI (312) 443-3800 or www.goodmantheatre.org.