“The Devil Wears Prada.” I read the book. I saw the movie. Now, I’ve seen the Broadway musical play! The 2003 book was an inside look at the competitive and sometimes vicious fashion industry, exposing the ruthless world of fashion magazine publishing. In addition, the Broadway musical play did an excellent job of conveying the humor, candor, and sarcasm of both the book and the film.
Kate Wetherhead wrote the book for the musical, and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna wrote the 2006 film. The character of Andrea “Andy” Sach is played by an African American actress, Taylor Iman Jones, who lands a job as an editorial assistant at a magazine called Runway Magazine, working for the iconic, demanding diva, Miranda Priestly, played by Beth Leavel.
Here’s the synopsis: “Runway Magazine. The supreme authority of the high-fashion world and the new home of assistant Andy Sachs. It’s a position a million people would kill for, but under the sharp stilettos of Runway’s legendary Editor-in-Chief Miranda Priestly, the job is no dream. Against Miranda’s blistering leadership and stratospheric expectations, Andy is pushed to the edge, forced to choose between her career and her happiness.”
Tony winner Anna D. Shapiro masterfully directs the play, and it is an animated production that moves at a brisk pace. Elton John wrote the music, need I say more, it was great! Brett Banakis is brilliant with scenic and media designs. The totality of the effect is nothing short of awesome. The costumes by Arianne Phillips are fabulous and never fail to dazzle the audience.
Speaking of Anna D. Shapiro, I want to applaud and recognize her demonstrative efforts for diversity, equity, and inclusion in Chicago Theater. Ten (10) African American actors were in the play, with a total of thirty-one (31) actors. I am a frequent patron of Chicago theater. This production was a welcomed departure from what is typically experienced in the Chicago theater scene, where all white casts with a token representation of African Americans are the norm.
In the United States, the numbers tell the story; 74 percent of theatergoers are White, and 4 percent are Black, according to a demographic report by the Broadway League, a trade association representing producers and theater owners. Nevertheless, given that Broadway’s overall attendance has declined since the COVID-19 pandemic, Black theatergoers are an untapped audience base with the potential to increase the bottom line. Also, Black characters are often Black theatergoers, as evidenced by the sustained success of local Black theater in Chicago like the Black Ensemble Theater and ETA Creative Arts Theater. I apologize for digressing, but I needed to get that “off my chest!”
Overall, “The Devil Wears Prada” was excellent and a wonderful evening of theater in Chicago, followed by dinner at The Dearborn. I highly recommend seeing the show before it leaves Chicago for Broadway.
“The Devil Wears Prada” runs through August 21st at the Nederlander Theater, 24 W. Randolph Street, and tickets start at $25 up to a maximum of $100.
Also, Broadway in Chicago will begin open enrollment to the public for new subscribers on August 16th. A yearly subscription for five shows is $350. For more information, contact Broadway in Chicago at www.broadwayinchicago.com
Derrick Harris is a Community Activist and a Culture, Education, and Lifestyle Writer for N’DIGO.
