Summary:

Recently I had the opportunity to see "The Texas Chainsaw Musical", presented by the New Millennium Theatre Company (NMTC) in Chicago.  When I heard that the NMTC had put together a musical comedy version of the original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre", I just had to go and see it.  It's not often that you get the chance to see a show like this.  

Upon entering the theatre, the audience was greeted with some theme-appropriate musical selections, including "The Lumberjack" by Jackyl (with its distinctive chainsaw sound effects),  as well as the "Rockgrass" musical stylings of the group Hayseed Dixie.  Patrons were given the option of sitting in "Blood Seats".  From this vantage point, audience members had an up close and personal view of the stage, well within blood-splattering range.  

The NMTC cleverly adapted a horror movie classic into a musical parody.  For the most part, this production remained faithful to the plot of the original movie; however, various scenes and lines were artfully transformed, to give the story a comedic twist.  Throughout the performance, you were presented with the underlying theme that there was a good chance that Leatherface wasn't what he seemed to be.  Could it be possible that he was just misunderstood?   Perhaps he was just looking for friends, but was socially inept and didn't know how.  Unfortunately, his love of cutting meat with his chainsaw worked against him and he ended up accidentally dispatching any potential friends, before he was able to get to know them.  

Because of the many references to the original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre", fans of the movie should really enjoy this production (I know I did!).  On the night that I attended, the show received a standing ovation from the crowd.  If you have the opportunity, be sure to check out this show... especially if you are a fan of the "Texas Chainsaw Massacre".   You won't be disappointed.  

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