When a Tony Award-nominated musical meets a historic local theater, the result is a great night of entertainment. Such was the case when I saw Anyone Can Whistle at Skokie Theatre.

Sarah Sapperstein with Aaron Mann, Andrew Buel, and Christopher Johnson. Photo by Scott Richardson.

Originally opened on Broadway in 1964 at Majestic Theater, Anyone Can Whistle is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. It’s the story of a small-town mayoress faking a miracle to attract tourists and raise her popularity. Her plan goes awry when a nurse and 40 freed inmates from the local asylum get involved. Who is crazy and who is sane?

Evan B. Smith (Center) with the ensemble. Photo by Scott Richardson.

As a lesser-known work of Sondheim with a relatively short time on Broadway, this was an interesting but excellent choice for a run at Skokie Theatre. A large cast and a small stage challenged director James Fleece, but he made use of aisles and other spaces, which actually made for almost a 3-D effect, like the audience was involved. Musicians provided the soundtrack from the balcony, formerly the projection area, which created a powerful surround sound effect.

LJ Bullen and Evan B. Smith. Photo by Scott Richardson.

The performance was fantastic on all levels. There was no weakness. The performers seemed to be having as much fun as the audience. The space limitations worked in favor of the production, too. I admit, I wasn’t familiar with this musical prior to the performance, but I did recognize a few songs once I heard them.

Aaron Mann, Andrew Buel, Dustin Rothbart and Sarah Sapperstein. Photo by Scott Richardson.

As a long-time Skokie resident, I have been in the beautiful Skokie Theatre many times. Built in 1910, it was renovated in 2006, turning it from a movie theater to a performance arts center comfortably seating 140. Currently, seating is limited to 50, however. Managed by MadKap Productions, it hosts plays, concerts and more. It’s also a quick three-block walk from my place.

Sarah Sapperstein with Brian Warner, Christopher Johnson, Jonah Cochin, and Ben Isabel.
Photo by Scott Richardson.

Anyone Can Whistle runs through Oct. 10. Other future events at Skokie Theatre include The Creation of Anyone Can Whistle, The Gershwins in Hollywood and Hello, Carol!

— John Wroblewski, online writer