‘The Last Word’ Is A Hilarious And Unexpected Theatrical Adventure

A one-of-a-kind theatrical experience that unfolds entirely in the moment, The Last Word combines improvisational storytelling, audience participation, and plenty of surprises with an unexpectedly moving story about how we choose to spend the time we have.

I have always been a huge fan of improvisation. When I was in college, I was part of an improv troupe that performed every weekend in town and across Illinois. Some pieces were partially scripted, and others were completely created on the spot, but no matter what, it was always a new show. You could never truly predict what would happen. And that is the fun of it.

The Last Word is a unique and quirky show about a man on a quest, with four specific alcoholic beverages (one for each act) for the audience, each paired with a story. If you’d prefer to watch the show without the drinks, a general admission ticket is available as well, and it is just as enjoyable. But if you are interested, each drink is a very clever addition to the experience.

Here is how the company describes this show: “Chartreuse is a real-life liqueur that sells millions of bottles every year, but only two people in the world know how to make it. When Mike finds one dying in the woods and is given the only known copy of the recipe, he has to decide if he can return it to the monastery that keeps it safe or die trying.”

The entire show takes place at a long table at the front of the theater. Each actor, all of whom are dressed for a nice night out, receives a binder with the script. The narrator explains that each actor may or may not have played these roles before, but they haven’t seen the script since at least last month. There is one page available that explains their character(s), and they have about 60 seconds to review it. There are also notes in the binders from people who have played the roles before – and GO. There is no rehearsal – this all happens in front of the audience, and this show exists only in this moment. It will be different every month.

While you could describe The Last Word as a table reading, I’d call it a table reading with flair. Each actor breaks into accents and movements, passes the same note across the table, and builds a palpable sense of action and intensity.

The script jumps around from 1605 AD to the present, with Mike meeting people on his quest and slowly learning more about himself. Many people want the answer to the Chartreuse mystery, and some will even kill for it. It’s a very dangerous game he’s playing, and I was surprised by how attached I became to the story.

This is a very funny show, with laugh-out-loud moments galore. The actors are talented, the lighting choices enhance the story, and there is a screen at the front of the stage that shows everything from various settings to people whose backstories you’re learning to unbelievably entertaining surprises for both the cast and the audience.

Over the course of the performance, the story deepens. It becomes clear that the overarching themes have gone from one man’s quest for discovery to the lessons of living your life while you have it and loving the people right in front of you.

For the last 10 minutes of the show, the audience hung on every word spoken. There was energy in the air and, although there are still very funny moments, it’s like being at the end of a great book that someone else is reading to you. Behind me, one woman began sobbing. I was only aware of that because the audience was so quiet at times that you could hear a pin drop. I’ve never experienced anything like it.

This is a passion project that more people need to experience. A fairy tale of sorts, The Last Word weaves you in and out of reality with improvisational fun, unexpected moments, countless laughs, and a story that ultimately reaches somewhere much deeper. I’m so glad that I’m getting the opportunity to tell you about it, and now it’s your turn. This only plays on the last Friday of every month, so get your tickets early. The show I attended was sold out.

The Last Word runs for approximately 2 hours 30 minutes with one intermission.

The Last Word Chicago Review – The Last Word is playing at the iO Theater on the last Friday of every month. Tickets can be purchased on their website. iO Theater is located at 1501 N Kingsbury St Ave in Chicago.