Audiences at this brand of theater don't usually ask for much, so it's a pleasure to report that the dinner and the entertainment at newly-opened Gangsterland are both much better than they have to be. The latter consists of a song-and-dance revue featuring semi-authentic 1920's hits by Gershwin, Porter, etc. (including a cute, peekaboo "Button Up Your Overcoat" by the Untouchabelles), along with such pseudo-period ditties as Chicago's "Cell Block Tango" and the "Jazz Hot" number from "Victor/Victoria." (There's even an original song or two by Chi-theatre composer Doug Wood.) Neil Bremer, a fifteen-year veteran of this genre (and by day, an executive suit at the Art Institute), emcees as Mayor "Big Bill" Thompson, whose re-election fundraiser provides the premise for the evening. He is offered plenty of Windy City support by the leggy Beth Lichtenstein as blonde bombshell Roxy Diamond, the sad-faced Todd Jackson as klutzy sidekick Louie, and a cast of surprisingly talented crooner-boys and dancing-girls.
Director and choreographer Jane DeBondt, also a veteran of the food-and-fun circuit, keeps the action as hearty and unassuming as the Italian menu guaranteed to destroy diets (take note, Tony & Tina). As much as Chicago claims to dislike its international image, Gangsterland still proves to be good, clean, low-brow fun.
