Skates - A New Musical

Making its world premiere in Chicago's oldest legitimate theatre, The Studebaker Theater presents Skates A New Musical. Opened initially as Studebaker Hall in 1898, this vaudeville house went through reconstructions and restorations to continue its Chicagoland premiere productions for decades to come. Skates, a musical from the book and lyrics of Christine Rea with music and lyrics by Rick Briskin, features American Idol stars Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young. In addition, tunes like "Why Can't I Be Her, Jack's Strut, I'm Crushin On You, and Forward Motion" will bring you back to the stimulating days of your past.

This nostalgic joyride begins with Jacqueline Miller, a rock star who had a lot of success but is concerned with her manager's direction for her career and her funds. She has a hit record and celebrating her first major tour, but while she travels through cities like Detriot, Miami, Seattle, and Buffalo, she feels reluctant to return home to Windy City Skates, where she first fell in love. So, with the help of 12-year-old Jackie Miller, her retrospective journey back to 1977, reliving her past, she hopes to find herself again.

You may not have been one of the over 20 million annual viewers of American Idol since its inception. Still, with a slew of commercials, Christine Rea's play, directed by Brenda Didier, hopes that Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young will make Skates a hit at The Studebaker. We provided several tickets to Skates, and those who went said they thoroughly enjoyed their evening. I have to say; I enjoyed Skates. It started a little slow, but this delightful look at the past brought a smile. The narrative storyline wasn't robust, but it has the Brady Bunch problematic youth dilemma where the love and understanding of family win in the end.

Skates creator Christine Rea who discovered her real inner-self beneath the glittering from her youth at a Southside roller rink, provided a play that was joyously fun. Rea describes going through the awkward stage of teenage puberty, but life became simple and fun when she laced up her skates and whooshed across the floor. The original musical numbers are catchy and entertaining and combined with several incredible singers, Skates brings you back to the '70s in style.

Although Skates the musical stars are Diana and Ace, the real star was Emma Lord. Playing the young Jacqueline (Jackie) Miller, Lord's infectious joy and energy on stage are electrifying. Lord is a awesome performer and a raising star!

There were also fun performances throughout the play. Kelvin Roston Jr. as (Jack/Danny) skating in his hot pants at Windy City Skates was hilarious. Jason Richards and Cory Goodrich have that lovingly 70's rom·com feeling as they shine on stage with their warmth, fantastic singing, and parently love. Jackie's hottie, Scotty Watkins, performed by Adam Fane, a theatrical performer at Paramount, Steppenwolf, Porchlight, and Greenhouse Theater, nails his role as Jackie's dream date. Adia Bell brings a sexy, nice, and rough Tina Turner demeanor to the role of Tanya Carson. And Kelly Felthous, seen in some of Chicagoland's high profile plays (Chicago, The Music Man, Cabaret, and Little Shop of Horrors), plays the quintessence, blonde-hair blue eyes, girl that boy's dream of in Meghan Behnke.

Rea's production could have benefitted from having auditions for ensemble members, featuring some of the cast of skaters from current roller rinks, bringing in an untapped audience excited about seeing the play. In addition, Skates overlooked reaching out to a younger audience, settling on using adults in their thirties playing teenage roles, and not casting additional teen actors. Capturing that young dreamer glimmering to be on stage like we saw when reviewing The Little Mermaid at North Shore Theater.

Through the help of Jackie, Jacqueline finds the power within to make it without a love she never had in Blake and rekindles her young lost love with Scotty. And just like the sitcoms of the '70s, they skate happily ever after. With the second act, which brought a stronger narrative, Skates is a refreshing blast from the past and a groovy way to spend an evening.

Let's Play Theatrical Review Recommends Skates, A New Musical at the newly remodeled Studebaker Theater.

The Studebaker Theater

SKATES: A New Musical

Books/Lyrics by Christine Rea

Music/Lyrics by Rick Briskin

Directed by Brenda Didier

Playing Now Through August 28, 2022