Theatre & Stage reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff

"CLAY" A One Man Hip-Hop Musical

Hip-Hop is not something that I am into- it's very much like Rap, which I do not understand, but at the Lookingglass Theatre's new Chase Studio, a small intimate venue that works well for a one man show, About Face Theatre is presenting "Clay" a One Man Hip-Hop Musical starring (and written by Matt Sax). From what I gather Hip-Hop is not about rhyme (as Rap is), but more about coming from the heart and soul. I must say, that unlike Rap, I was able to understand all of the lyrics of this "American Tragedy" "Clay " tells the powerful story of Clifford who comes from the suburbs, a sort of nerd, whose parents divorce with his father becoming the custodial parent. His mother shoots herself, his father who travels on business marries a young lady who is lonely and at the age of 17 he ends up having sex with his stepmother. In his search for identity, he come upon Sir John, master of the spoken word who takes him under his wing and makes Clifford into Clay, who becomes a super star in the Hip-Hop world by using his past to create the songs that he sings.

Mr. Sax plays all of the roles and with his rubbery face, the use of a hooded sweatshirt and great ability to use voices, he never misses a beat. He works the 50 seat Studio theater small stage and utilizes the aisles as well. His characters are strong and memorable and if you are into Hip-Hop, this is a chance to see a shining young talent. While I did not love this production, I did learn something from it and I truly feel that we should open our eyes to new experiences, particularly in the theater. If we only attend Dramas or comedies, or musicals, then we do not allow ourselves to taste the pleasures that await us. So if you are into Hip-Hop, this one s for you. If you are not, but would like to see what it is all about, I think you might enjoy this 90 minutes of entertainment.

The Chase Studio is located at The Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave. (In the old Water Tower) and production times are as follows:

(thru October 8th) Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at 7 p.m. Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Friday at 7 p.m. Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m. Sunday at 3 p.m.

(Starting on October 12 thru November 19th)

Thursday at 9:30 p.m. Friday at 5:30 and 10 p.m. Saturday 6:30 and 11 p.m. Sunday and Monday at 7 p.m.

No show October 29th November 3, 10 and 17th are SOLD OUT

Tickets range in price from $25-$30 and are available at the box office, by phone at 312-337-0665 or online at www.lookingglasstheatre.org.