GEEK N OUT REVIEW
“The One”
Reviewer: Randi Lea Bishop
Like any good musical parody, “The One: The Matrix Parody Musical” is a delightful and irreverent romp through a sci-fi classic. Laura Marsh’s original script follows the events of the first film in The Matrix trilogy, chronicling the choices, training, and adventures of Neo, also known as The One. The story is cleverly told in such a way that it takes neither itself nor the source material too seriously, poking fun at The Matrix, nerd culture in general, and musical theatre itself.
There is something in the show for everyone. Seasoned fans of The Matrix and the more casual observers will both find the performances a delight. Devoted Matrix fans will appreciate the commitment to the story, and will be thoroughly entertained by the clever tricks of lighting and staging that are used to present the iconic and special-effects-driven moments of the films. For those with only a passing familiarity with the films, references to other fandoms and nerdy interests abound. The production also unabashedly leans into the tropes that accompany musical theatre as an art form, pushing familiar theatre experiences into the realm of the ridiculous in a way that is charming and amusing.
The cast is packed with comedic skill. What is occasionally lacking in vocal prowess is made up for in investment in the characters and the story. Sean Rickert presents a charmingly clueless Neo. Bruce Phillips’s Agent Smith is simultaneously imposing and hilarious. The show is frequently stolen, however, by Mike Gospel’s Cypher, whose stellar voice and melodramatic performance are a nonstop delight.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted night out at the theatre this August, look no further than “The One: The Matrix Parody Musical.” Everyone attending this charmingly ridiculous production will find something to make them laugh, and sometimes that’s all you want out of a show.
“The One: The Matrix Parody Musical” runs at The Den Theater, weekends through August 25th.
Cast:
Liz Anderson - Ensemble
Sean Buckley - Ensemble
Tyler DeLoatch - Morpheus
Bri Fitzpatrick - Trinity
Mike Gospel - Cypher
Amanda Neal - Oracle
Bruce Phillips - Agent Smith
Sean Rickert - Neo
Andreas Tsironis - Ensemble
Creatives:
Written by - Laura Marsh
Directed by - C.J. Tuor
Musical Direction by - Jon Mondeverde
Choreography by - Sheena Laird
Illustrations by - Oliver Berger
Performances will take place at The Den Theatre thru August 25th, 2019; Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm. Two acts with intermission.
The Den Theatre is located at 1331 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL.
For Tickets contact boxoffice@thedentheatre.com or click HERE for a direct link.
