Review: Raven Theatre’s Staging of ‘Octet’ Hits Some, but Not All, High Notes
The Chicago Sun-Times reviews Raven Theatre’s production of Dave Malloy’s a cappella musical “Octet,” awarding it a 2.5-star rating. The musical, which premiered off-Broadway in 2019 and is slated for a film adaptation by Lin-Manuel Miranda, features eight characters attending a support group for internet addicts. Each character explores their specific digital dysfunction through solo performances accompanied by the ensemble, covering themes like public humiliation, gaming addiction, and conspiracy theories. The review describes the show as “A Chorus Line” for the smartphone generation, blending spoken dialogue with intricate vocal arrangements. While praising the magical potential of a cappella music, the critic notes that the skeletal story is marred by oddities, including a shadowy, unseen leader named Saul and psychedelic elements that create a quasi-cultish atmosphere. The production runs without intermission for one hour and 35 minutes at the Raven Theatre in Chicago through June 7, with tickets priced between $20 and $45. The article highlights both the artistic ambition of the piece and its narrative limitations.
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Review: Raven Theatre’s Staging of ‘Octet’ Hits Some, but Not All, High Notes
The Chicago Sun-Times reviews Raven Theatre’s production of Dave Malloy’s a cappella musical “Octet,” awarding it a 2.5-star rating. The musical, which premiered off-Broadway in 2019 and is slated for a film adaptation by Lin-Manuel Miranda, features eight characters attending a support group for internet addicts. Each character explores their specific digital dysfunction through solo performances accompanied by the ensemble, covering themes like public humiliation, gaming addiction, and conspiracy theories. The review describes the show as “A Chorus Line” for the smartphone generation, blending spoken dialogue with intricate vocal arrangements. While praising the magical potential of a cappella music, the critic notes that the skeletal story is marred by oddities, including a shadowy, unseen leader named Saul and psychedelic elements that create a quasi-cultish atmosphere. The production runs without intermission for one hour and 35 minutes at the Raven Theatre in Chicago through June 7, with tickets priced between $20 and $45. The article highlights both the artistic ambition of the piece and its narrative limitations.
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