Two Evanston theater companies have formed a connection to stage the daring musical, “Passing Strange.” Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, which is producing the show, asked Tim Rhoze, artistic director of Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, to direct the musical by Stew (book, lyrics, and music) and Heidi Rodewald (music), in collaboration with Annie Dorsen, June 9-July 30.
Rhoze said that when Theo Ubique’s co-founder and Artistic Director Fred Anzevino asked him if he would be willing to direct “Passing Strange,” he read the script and watched the video that Spike Lee directed.
Rhoze said that he was already aware of the show’s history and its success, and that he was drawn to the storytelling of the show.
“It was the story of a coming of age. A story of a love letter of a boy to his mother. It was a story about paying homage to the history of Black (people) in entertainment — whether here or abroad. And, of course, the music and compositions are exceptional,” Rhoze related. “All of those things brought me to the table.”
The most prominent character in the play is the Narrator — a part originally played by singer-songwriter and performance artist Stew. For that all-important role, Rhoze chose Jordan DeBose.
“He has a personality that is very commanding,” Rhoze said. “Also, you have to have an incredible voice and he certainly has that. He brings a lot to the process with his talent and his personality and his commitment to the process. He’s the real deal when it comes to portraying the Narrator.”
“I’ve been with ‘Passing Strange’ for almost its entire time,” DeBose said. “I really got into musical theater around 2008 when I was coming out. In college, I listened to the soundtrack and watched the Spike Lee a little after college and fell in love with it. The story is so intricate and beautiful.”
They added that “the words just kind of wash over you but you don’t care, it’s just so beautiful.”
They noted that although the Narrator is the storyteller he plays a much larger role than that, serving as an intricate part of the story. DeBose observed that the show is actually the Narrator’s retelling of the story of his youth. And it is based on playwright and composer Stew’s youth — with some liberties taken.
DeBose said that they really connects with the character, in particular regarding not seeing the point of love without understanding.
“I’ve definitely struggled with that in my life and in my relationships, specifically with my mom,” they said. “The Narrator has that issue with his mom as well.”
They added that they do have a good relationship with their mother but, like everybody, has issues to work through with her.
DeBose reported that the show is very challenging vocally with the Narrator singing an estimated 80% and 90% of the show.
“It’s a beast vocally,” they said. “But it’s so much fun and the music is gorgeous and people are going to be up and dancing.”
Because Theo Ubique’s space is set up as a cabaret, director Rhoze noted that it creates an intimate atmosphere. This production will also be distinctive because of “the attention to the story and the use of the journey from the beginning to the end,” the director concluded.
Tickets to “Passing Strange” are $35-$70. A three-course prix fixe dinner is available from Good to Go Jamaican Cuisine for $30.
For reservations, visit theo-u.com/passing-strange.
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
