Review: 'Five Guys Named Moe' is the show you didn't know you needed in your life

Upon entering the Court Theatre production of “Five Guys Named Moe” by Clarke Peters, there is little hint of the vibrant, exuberantly entertaining evening in store. On stage sit a lone armchair and a large old radio. The scene is almost somber. But it is a false front because, once the lights go down and the show begins, the audience quickly realizes what they’re experiencing is anything but somber. Filled with familiar songs and excellent, enthusiastic performances, this show does indeed “let the good times roll.”

This jukebox musical ostensibly is the story of the caddish, hard-drinking Nomax, played by the charming Stephen “Blu” Allen, visited by five titular guys named Moe. Magically emerging from his vintage radio, this fantastical quintet made up of No Moe (Eric A. Lewis), Big Moe (Lorenzo Rush Jr.), Four Eyed Moe (Kelvin Roston Jr.), Little Moe (Darrian Ford) and Eat Moe (James Earl Jones II), is here to set the wayward young Nomax right through the music of jazz legend Louis Jordan.

While the script is somewhat light on plot – it is more of a scenario than a complex driving narrative – director Ron OJ Parson, along with associate director Felicia P. Fields, delivers a delightful tribute to the pioneering American musician and songwriter.

A true ensemble piece, the performances are so strong it is difficult to single out any member of the cast. The five Moes and Nomax have an infectiously joyful chemistry that charms early on. They work together with a natural ease. In song, their voices blend into seamless harmonies and shine alone. Court Theatre’s intimate venue is ideal for this show, as it allows the cast to interact with the audience frequently. Highlights include ensemble number – especially the high-energy act one finale (“Push Ka Pi Shi Pie”), Lewis’ skillful and dazzling “Reet, Petite and Gone,” Jones’ powerfully soulful performance of “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” and Rush’s winning rendition of “Caldonia,” which showcases not only his excellent voice and impeccable comedic timing, but also his showmanship as he interacts with the crowd. Any review would be remiss if it fails to mention the six-piece band, led by music director Abdul Hamid Royal (who has been involved with productions of “Five Guys Named Moe” since its debut in the early 1990s). The production could not be served any better than it is by these musicians.

Courtney O’Neill once again proves to be a master of inventive and immersive set design. By appearing to eschew a literal setting of Nomax’s living room, she instead opts to place the entire show (and the audience, as well) within the interior of his vintage Zenith radio. Paired with Heather Gilbert’s vibrant, multi-hued lighting design, the set gives off a magical effect and provides a perfect space for the cast to execute Christopher Carter’s movement and musical staging. Michael Alan Stein’s costume designs communicate elements of each character’s personality without being over the top or too obvious, quite a feat considering the amount and variety of plaid on stage.

The Court Theatre’s production of “Five Guys Named Moe” is a pure delight and just the show you didn’t know you needed in your life. It is less like a traditional night at the theater and more like a party at your funniest, most talented friends’ house, only more fun than that. The only fault found is eventually this show had to end.

• A 17-year veteran of the theater, Kathryn McCord of Crystal Lake holds a master’s degree in English from Northern Illinois University. She is a former college English instructor and now works at the Crystal Lake Public Library.

“FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE”

WHEN: Through Oct. 8

WHERE: Court Theatre at the University of Chicago, 5535 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago

COST & INFO: A lively musical tribute to the hit songs of saxophonist and songwriter Louis Jordan. Tickets start at $57. Tickets and information: www.courttheatre.org or 773-753-4472.