Hello Again

By Michael John LaChiusa

Presented at
BoHo Theatre @ Heartland Studio
April 2 — May 1, 2010

Directed by
Michael Ryczek and Stephen Rader

Musically Directed by
Nick Sula

JEFF RECOMMENDED

Download the Hello Again program.

Cast:
Kevin Bishop, Ben Burke, Erin Creighton, Adam Fane, Christina Hall, Sean Knight, Tom McGunn, Adrianna Parson, Heather Townsend, Robert Whorton

Ten nameless characters pair up in ten different scenes of sexual pleasure and/or despair. One character from each scene moves on to the next, seemingly dumping his old partner in favor of new prey.

Ten nameless characters pair up in ten different scenes of sexual pleasure and/or despair. One character from each scene moves on to the next, seemingly dumping his old partner in favor of new prey.

Based on the 1897 play La Ronde Arthur Schnitzler, LaChuisa's musical adaptation detailis a daisy chain of sexual encounters and love affairs among ten characters in ten scenes. Each scene is set in a different decade of the 20th Century and in a non-chronological order, allowing for a huge variety of musical style and pastische ranging from Opera to 1970s disco while simultaneously introducing musical and lyrical echoes throughout to tie all the characters and their experiences together. This haunting and sensual tale culminates in the moody recognition of love's inescapable pull.

Rave reviews for Hello Again:

"A spicy revival ... Directors Michael Ryczek and Stephen Rader team with excellent music director Nick Sula and clever set designer Stephen M. Genovese for this adults-only show."
- Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times - RECOMMENDED

"Ryczek and Rader use Stephen M. Genovese’s clever backdrop as a kind of parabolic dish, focusing their performers’ intensity both musically (under the fine direction and accompaniment of Nick Sula) and emotionally... The talented, mostly very young cast finds plenty of humor in the material but also aptly conveys the aching behind connections that are missed in every sense but the physical."
- Kris Vire , Time Out Chicago- 4 STARS

"Will make you blush while you are laughing your head off."
- Alan Bresloff, Steadstyle Chicago

Boho’s “Hello Again” revives my love of the [musical theatre] genre. Michael John LaChiusa’s song cycle about love and sex across the ages has a heartfelt sweetness that doesn’t leave a bad aftertaste... The sex is steamy, the passion palpable."
-Lisa Buscani, Newcity Stage - RECOMMENDED

Directors Michael Ryczek and Stephen Rader utilize the intimate space exquisitely ... a series of erotic encounters that run the gamut of the sexual spectrum while retaining emotional intensity ... The dedication of the actors to the material translates to raw excitement on the stage, and when the company says goodbye, get ready to reach for the nightstand because you’re gonna want a cigarette."
-Oliver Sava, Chicago Theater Blog - 3½ (out of 4) STARS

Hello Again Production Photos:
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