Departure Lounge (2010)

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Departure Lounge: A New Musical

Directed by Tom Mullen

Musical Direction by Kevin Mayes

Performed October 28th – December 12th, 2010

The Royal George Theatre

DEPARTURE LOUNGE follows four less-than-innocent 18-year olds Brits caught between adolescence and adulthood who are delayed at Malaga Airport after a week in the sun to celebrate their graduation from school. As they reminisce about their time together, it soon becomes clear that their individual memories of the holiday are at odds, particularly when it comes to romance and the girl on all their minds. Is she as innocent as we’re led to think, and will the boys’ friendships hold firm as they all face a coming of age? This coming-of-age high-energy show with a progressive pop score, close four-part harmonies, and a wicked sense of humor was a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and The Public Theatre’s SPF Festival Festival.

Strong language and sexual content. May not be suitable for children under 16.

RECOMMENDED… full of fun and friction. Irvine’s pop score is light, bright and clever.– Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times, http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/weiss/2877630,departure-lounge-weiss-review-110910.article Irvine’s catchy pop score and the rambunctious energy of Tom Mullen’s Bailiwick Chicago staging make Departure Lounge hard to resist…an immensely appealing cast put themselves over with cheeky aplomb.– Zac Thompson, Chicago Reader, http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/departure-lounge/Event?oid=2601875 ★★★… Irvine’s guitar-driven pop score is full of pleasant melodies and exultant four-part harmonies…– Kris Vire, TimeOut Chicago, http://chicago.timeout.com/articles/theater/90472/departure-lounge-at-bailiwick-chicago-theater-review RECOMMENDED… the show’s a high-flier… The ensemble nails the singing and director Tom Mullen’s bright, hip choreography…– Lisa Buscani, NewCity Stage, http://newcitystage.com/2010/11/08/review-the-departure-loungebailiwick-chicago/