Blank Theatre Company’s ‘The Mad Ones’ Touches The Heart
The Mad Ones is an introspective musical about a high-school senior figuring out her next moves after a shock. With themes of loss and uncertainty along with quality songs and excellent voices, this is a show you’re going to want to see.
There are many musicals out there that cost a ton of money in production and staff. These are the shows that we see on billboards, hyped up on social media, and talked about on morning talk shows. But not all great theatre gets known the same way. Sometimes you have to look a little harder for the hidden gems.
Blank Theatre Company’s new production of The Mad Ones is one of these productions. An intimate musical about grief, loss, and learning who you are outside of your relationships to other people, this show hits the emotional notes.
The Mad Ones centers around Samantha Brown and her best friend, Kelly Manning, two teenagers finishing up their senior year. Sam is the straight-laced valedictorian of her class on her way to her choice of several Ivy League schools and Kelly is a wild child, headed to a state school, and blowing wherever the wind may take her.
Sam’s statistician mom, feminist Beverly, and her slightly simple boyfriend Adam each love her and want the best for her, she just needs to decide what she wants. And at 18 years old, after you’ve spent your life living up to what you thought were your dreams (or were they someone else’s?), that can be a really tough decision.
Much of this show takes place in Sam’s memories, so, just as in one’s memories, the ambiance is the most important thing in this piece. The music, the voices, and the lighting take you on an emotional ride – partly because you may have lived it and partly because that is the power of a good musical.
Blank Theatre Company’s strong ensemble has powerful voices and relatably emotive expressions. The harmonies are beautiful and every performer carries their weight effortlessly.
Rachel Guth’s Sam is a sensitive and introspective teen who goes on a figurative (and sometimes literal) ride of anxiety, shock, freedom, and uncertainty. Karylin Veres’ Kelly is passionate and spontaneous, wanting only to remind her friend that staying stuck is not an option.
Anne Sheridan Smith’s Beverly is the slightly over-protective and loving mom who is pushing her daughter to be the best in a world where women have fewer options than men and Aiden Leake’s Adam is the sweet taco-loving boyfriend who hopes that Sam’s future will include him.
There are some great songs in this piece, including “Freedom,” “The Mad Ones,” and “Run Away With Me,” but “There Was A Party” I felt in my bones. This song (with the beat, energy, and lighting choices) is an excellent representation of anxiety and had me sitting in my seat holding my breath, and relating to the feeling.
This production of The Mad Ones is a heartfelt snapshot of growing up, letting go, and finding confidence in yourself. With talented performers, touching moments, and vibey music, this is a show you’re going to enjoy.
The Mad Ones runs for approximately 1 hour 40 minutes with no intermission.
Blank Theatre Company: The Mad Ones – The Mad Ones is playing at Blank Theatre Company through 8/11/2024. Tickets can be purchased through the Blank Theatre Company website. Blank Theatre Company is located at 2936 N Southport Ave in Chicago, IL.