“Broadsword”
In the supernatural mystery “Broadsword” at The Gift Theatre, bassist Victor (James D. Farruggio), drummer Nicky (John Kelly Connolly) and frontman Tony (John Gawlik) are the three surviving members of the defunct heavy-metal band Broadsword. Each a sad sack in his own unique way, they have gathered to mourn the loss of the band’s fourth member—the only one in the group who could read music—and their group dynamics are pitch-perfect. When supernatural forces come into play, the bickering ex-bandmates must join together to play an all-important, life-or-death reunion gig. The biggest letdown of the show is that the lights go down just before they play their first note. You just know they would sound amazing.
The Gift Theatre, 4802 North Milwaukee, (773)283-7071. thegifttheatre.org
Best of Chicago 2013