Theatre & Stage reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff

Naked Boys Singing (through December)

Three years ago, an unusual production opened at The Bailiwick Repertory Theater on West Belmont; a show that featured 8 men who perform on a semi bare stage in the nude! Yes, they are naked (thus the name of the show). Once the first number is over ("Gratuitous Nudity..."), the audience appears to relax and just watches 8 very talented actors/singers/dancers do "their thing". When the show first opened, the audience was composed of primarily gay men, which is what was to be expected. Then something strange happened- women started to come (as groups and bachelorette parties) and the next thing you know, couples (a man and a woman). The music is wonderful and as I said earlier, once the initial shock is over, you start to concentrate on the stories that are told via song.

There is a lot of talent and some funny songs (Perky little porn star from Skokie, Illinois)as well as some sad (Kris, look what you've missed) and this well rounded cast (excuse the pun) can belt a song with the best of them. John Cardone, Nolan Christopher, Scott Thomas, Adam McNulty, Marcos Mateo Ochoa, Antonio J. Zayas and Nolan Nicholas Dresden performed the night that I was there, but they have a mixture of other actors as they rotate not only cast members but some of the songs.

Ladies, if you are planning a "bachelorette Party " prior to December ( although it may be held over again) this is a fun evening.Performances are Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 9 p.m. and Sundays at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $32-$37 and are available at the box office located at 1229 W. Belmont in Chicago, by phone at 773-883-1090 or visit them online at www.bailiwick.org