Alex Grelle, a Chicago-based actor and performer, is honoring female film stars of the 1980s and 1990s with his new show “Best Actress,” which opened at the Chopin Theatre on March 17. The production will run until April 12 at the venue located at 1543 W. Division St.
The show aims to celebrate iconic performances and cinematic moments that have inspired generations. According to a press release, “Best Actress” is described as “an all new two-act revue featuring the award-winning performances and iconic cinematic moments that have inspired generations.”
Grelle’s production features musical performances, reenactments of famous pop culture moments, elaborate puppetry, and video segments. The show is directed by Kasey Foster, choreographed by Erin Kilmurray and Kasey Alfonso, with music direction from Chicago power-pop band Aunt Kelly. Grelle said the inspiration for “Best Actress” comes from his childhood fascination with the Oscars: “When I was a kid, I used the Oscars kind of as a film guide. But my favorite category was definitely Best Actress.”
Using an Oscars-like framework from past decades, Grelle and his ensemble reenact notable female performances from that era. “They’re not all necessarily Oscar-winning performances,” Grelle said, “but they changed the game for me, and spoke to my soul when I watched them.” Highlights include scenes such as Meryl Streep’s role in “Heartburn” (1986) and Isabelle Adjani’s performance in “Possession.” To help audiences follow along with references, title cards are displayed during each number.
Grelle also explained his connection to this period: “First and foremost, I think it’s a huge wave of nostalgia for me,” he said. The show includes callbacks beyond the ’80s and ’90s era as well. Grelle has been developing “Best Actress” with writing partner Jesse Morgan Young since 2020.
This year’s production moves to Chopin Theatre’s larger upstairs space after last year’s show took place downstairs. The expanded venue allows for more ambitious choreography and set design. Costume work by Alaina Moore and video segments directed by Glam Hag contribute to the scale of this latest installment.
Despite increased pressure due to the larger scale of this year’s production, Grelle remains focused on delivering an engaging performance: “The hardest part, for me, is reviewing the choreography and watching myself screw it up in front of this ensemble of incredible dancers who get it within the first ten minutes,” he said.
“Best Actress” runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 6 p.m., through April 12 at Chopin Theatre.
