EDGE Chicago

Head Cheese Fat Boss Production members Tyler Bohne and Patrick Zielinski originated this Jazz, spoken word narration of the classic "A Christmas Carol" as a ten minute piece for charity event guests. People loved the ingenuity of the work so much, that the two artists began to extend the piece to tell the entire story of Charles Dickens’ original story in a, well, more "hip," way.

This collaboration led to the current- hour long version of the show, The Hipmas Carol, which is now in its 9th season and playing at The Chicago Center for the Performing Arts.

The Jazz-oriented script of "The Hipmas Carol," is creative and fun, without diminishing any of the original intent of Dickens’ script. The two narrators/performers sort of sing, chant, act out and recite the play along with the electrical guitar accompaniment of Ritch Valdez. They are even wearing sort of "Blues Brothers" outfits to add to the "smoky" atmosphere.

The three are clearly in sync, with Ritch Valedez looking almost like a fiddler-on-the-roof-esque urchin boy who is, literally, orchestrating the development of the story, while posing as a symbol for the work.

Bohne and Zielinski performed well together; but the only drawbacks to the actual script were moments of playful banter between the two actors. While the intent, it seemed was to make the show more audience accessible and engaging, their "real life" or "stage life" personas actually detracted from the unique work they have created.

This is a creative, fun work that should be appreciated by many. Check it out.

For more information on "Hipmas Carol," visit the Chicago Center for Performing Arts website.