Theatre & Stage reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff

"Saint Peter's Umbrella" (thru April 3)

The Theatre Building Chicago continues to bring new opportunities for writers, performing groups and in development of new musicals with its latest opening, Saint Peter's Umbrella, a romantic new musical with a Spanish flair. One umbrella holds the key to happiness: is it a gift of heaven, or the key to worldly riches? Dave Hudson (book and lyrics) and Denise Wright (music and lyrics) have put together a quaint script and some lovely music. Director Diana Basmajian has put together a fine cast, but due to the limitations of the stage, there are times where it seems a bit crowded. Having the musicians on stage during the show, while nice, cuts down the area for her to work with and at the same time, in many instances drowns out the fine voices of the singers she has cast. (either move the musicians or get some body mikes). There are some fine performances by ensemble members (as always, the backbone of the musical) - Mike Pokorny, Carrie ickert, Sarah Charmoli, Matthew E. Wilson and the wild Brian Simmons.

The magical umbrella brings together a father and his son, a pair of young lovers and a pair of old lovers as well. The story is set in Saldana, Spain and the story is based on a novel by Kalman Mikszath. The father , Antonio ,is played by Karl Sean Hamilton who is also the narrator. He meets and falls in love with Sonia (Elizabeth Haley in a spirited performance)- they have a son, but Antonio is shot. The magic umbrella is delivered to a neighboring village and ends up with a baby girl, Teresa (the lovely and talented Andrea Prestnario, who waits for her first "dance" and the man who is meant for her. This of course turns out to be Roberto, the son bore by Sonia and Antonio. There are of course many suitors for the lovely Teresa, but the spirit of Antonio keeps them away from her so that his son will in fact "get the girl" (and the umbrella). There are many magical moments in this production and some enchanting songs.

This is a show for young and old alike, filled with mystery, magic and romance; a "feel-good" experience.Performances of Saint Peter's Umbrella are as follows:

Thursday,Friday and Saturdays at 8:15 Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $25.00 (a bargain for live theater) and are available at the box office by phone at (773)327-5252, online at www.theatrebuildingchicago.org, at any ticketmaster outlet or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Theatre Building Chicago is located at 1225 West Belmont, close to public transportation and there is street parking in the area as well as valet at the theater. If you have not been to the Theatre Building Chicago, this is a great time to get there. In fact, there are a number of good things happening on Belmont right now.