In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with Joe DiPietro, the book writer of Ernest Shackleton whose catalogue of work is stunning: from Diana (Broadway production about Princess Diana), to Memphis, All Shook Up, and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Joining the conversation is the entire cast of the show (all two of them)….musician and actor Elisa Carlson (Kat) and Andrew Mueller (Ernest) as in the incredibly talented Mueller family (which includes sisters Abby, Jesse and brother Matt). This story of explorer Ernest Shackleton (an actual figure who lived from 1874-1922) joins the modern world of Kat who seeks some answers in life. The music, her musical talent and a story full of surprises means you just have to see this show which plays at Porchlight Music Theatre now through June 1st.

Tickets can be purchased at: www.porchlightmusictheatre.org

Paul’s Review:

One thing is for sure: The title of the show is Ernest Shackleton Loves Me, and I can promise that you will love Ernest Shackleton right back!

How to describe a show that presents an entire Antarctic adventure complete with nature’s toughest challenges within the “comfort” of the Brooklyn-based city kitchen of a soul-searching composer/artist and mom who somehow finds love with an early 20th Explorer named Ernest Shackleton. You have to see it to experience it.

Elisa Carlson (Kat) is a double threat not only in her fine acting performance but also serving nearly as a one person orchestra. She is clearly an accomplished and incredibly talented musician of the finest kind. Andrew Mueller (Ernest and a host of other characters as well) embodies his variety of roles with a humor, warmth that is so very endearing that we all wish we could explore the wild with him.

This unique show with book by Joe DiPietro (Memphis, Diana, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change), music by Brendan Milburn and lyrics by Val Vigoda is surely unlike any show you’ve ever seen. Covid challenged its NYC run but Chicago picks up the post pandemic baton and how lucky this top theater town is to reintroduce this amazing show to the theater going community AND to be presented by the unmatched productions of Porchlight Music Theatre. There is no better home for this production.

With visual projections and a set that merges history with seemingly illogical but totally captivating fantasy, you’ll be racing home after the show to start researching Shackleton only to see so much of what you’ve seen actually happened!

As a sidenote, in MY research, I learned that Shackleton’s grandchildren are still alive! Wouldn’t it be amazing if they set out on an adventure to Chicago to watch their grandfather’s story brought to life in the most unexpected ways!

**** out of  4