ATC’s Yeast Nation Grows On Us, Chicago

By Julienne Bilker in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 13, 2009 8:30PM

Yes, we know the headline is cheesy - but if you can’t take it, you probably won’t like the show. Yeast Nation (the triumph of life) is a new musical from the creative minds behind Urinetown, Mark Hollmann (music and lyrics) and Greg Kotis (book and lyrics). Now in its Midwest premiere at American Theatre Company, the show takes place four billion years ago, when single-celled organisms floated in the primordial soup. Although it’s written in the same self-aware style as Urinetown, the music is decidedly more 80s hairband. Perhaps more importantly, any sexual tension written into the show is tempered not only by the fact that yeasts produce asexually, but also - and this isn’t addressed - everyone is related, as they are all descendants of the same yeast. The whole thing is a bit odd - but then again, it’s about a bunch of yeast cells, so what else could it be?

Being that yeasts are simple creatures, their lives are simple. They are all named Jan (pronounced Yon), and their main function is maintaining stasis - which is mostly due to the fact that they only eat salt, and have consumed it unchecked for a long, long time. Not only must they ration their food, but they are also forbidden to “rise” to the surface in search of alternate sources...or reproduce. The show is definitely funny, but it crosses the border into “cute” a little too often for our taste. Maybe we just weren’t in the mood for yeast love songs, albeit cleverly written ones.

That being said, the commitment and talent level from the entire cast kept us engaged and entertained. Andrew Keltz (Jan the Second), Melanie Brezill (Jan the Sweet), Sandie Rosa (Jan the Sly) and Joseph Anthony Foronda (Jan the Elder) have some big, impressive voices, and there are some great comedic turns, particularly from Foronda, Barbara Robertson (Jan the Unnamed) and Wendi Weber (Jan the Famished). Clearly the show is doing well, as it’s been extended through November 8. And we’re fairly certain that great reviews from Chris Jones, Hedy Weiss and Kris Vire are enough to ensure the yeasts will have a shelf-life past their closing date.

Yeast Nation, through November 8, American Theatre Company, 1909 W. Byron. Tickets $35-$40, 773-409-4125.