Theo Ubique: TL;DR
Jack Chylinski, Crystal Claros, and Bailey Savage
Theo Ubique Presents TL;DR Review - Convincing Queer Icons To Be Icons
TLDR: Not to be confused with our signature TLDR statement here, Theo’s TL;DR stands for Thelma Louise; Dyke Remix. We’re taken to the climactic scene of Thelma and Louise, quite literally in mid-air, where a queer rock band accompanies the two on their journey into queerdom and accepting their icon status.
Carolyn Waldee and Claire Guthrie
Rainbow Garage Band
Entering the Theo theater, it feels like we're entering someone's basement designed to look like a super cool hangout space. There's a squishy couch, twinkle lights hanging everywhere, lots of band and zine paraphernalia peppering the walls, and a band set-up including a drum kit, mics, and guitars. The band enters during the pre-show and mingles with the audience,
reminding us of various artists like Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks, Hayley Williams, and other iconic rock stars. They kick it off into high gear with their opening number “Why Do Strong Female Characters Always Gotta Die?” starting with crashing cymbals from Blazer (Jeff Rodriguez), wailing guitar riffs from Cubby (Jack Chylinski) and Marie (Bailey Savage), and some rocker belts from lead vocalist Henrietta (Crystal Claros).
Then, the spotlight turns to two women clad in jeans, jean shorts, and jean jackets. Our titular characters, now nicknamed T and L (Carolyn Waldee and Claire Guthrie), come crashing onto the couch which then becomes their beloved Thunderbird suspended in mid-air and reality above the grand canyon. The band geeks out at finally getting to meet their lesbian heroes and launch into an avalanche of questions and fangirling (fan-theming?) while T and L are still processing what the heck is going on.
A Journey of Self-Identification
The queer community can be overwhelming with the best intentions as they welcome new members into the fold.. The rock group Renee and The Rapps, The Sha-Queer-as, Stevie and The Nicks, you know what, nevermind. The queer rock band who has yet to decide on their name invites T and L into various group outings to involve them. They're suddenly on a podcast playing Sub, Text, or Just Plain Sex with pop culture “best friends.” They take part in a council meeting where all our members can provide updates on their current relationship preferences and check-in on feelings.
However, for T and L who just liked each other's company feel their best choice is to remain isolated in their own little happy bubble as just people, trying to avoid labels. They go through a lot of growth throughout the show as they figure out how to navigate not only their own relationship and feelings, but their relationship with the outside world and community as well.
TL;DR does all this with a full musical score and original numbers. There’s lots of rock and roll, a few soft and heartfelt ballads, and plenty of powerful, upbeat songs ripe for belting. It also falls a little bit into absurdism as we’re first stuck in this suspended, alternate world where the band exits and plays alongside T and L. Then there’s episodes of the Vagilantes where we’re in an episodic thriller where T and L are played by Barbies in a remote controlled car and must face conflicts like gay erasure. There’s a lot to take in during the show from the set, to the characters, to the message and journey, but it’s one many may relate to.
The After Party Thoughts
The question about any parody show and ones with lots of pop culture references is usually, do I need to have seen the original work to understand it? For TL;DR my opinion is no, you don't necessarily need to have seen Thelma and Louise, but at least read the plot summary so you get the ‘66 Thunderbird and helicopter references.
If you love straight forward parody shows, TL;DR doesn't quite fall into that category as the show uses the titular couple more so as a representation for many people’s journey into the LGBTQ+ community. But for those where Thelma and Louise holds a special place in your heart, you like new works and queer centered rock musicals, or if you may have experienced a similar journey, this show would be a good fit for you!
RECOMMENDED
The cast of TL;DR
When
Now through October 12,2025
Where
Theo Ubique
721 N Howard Street.
Evanston, IL
Runtime: 1hr 50min, including intermission
Tickets
$20+
Tickets can be purchased through the Theo Ubique website
Photos
Elizabeth Stenholt Photography
CAST
Carolyn Waldee (T)
Claire Guthrie (L)
Jack Chylinski (Cubby)
Jeff Rodriguez (Blazer)
Bailey Savage (Marie)
Crystal Claros (Henrietta)
Lilah Weisman (Understandy T)
Beck Buechel (Understudy L)
Mikey Walden (Understudy Cubby)
Brian Pember (Understudy Blazer)
Mia Hilt (Understudy Marie)
Gilary Valenzuela (Understudy Henrietta)
CREATIVE
Claire DiVizio (Director)
Ellie Kahn (Music Director)
Nich O'Neil (Associate Director / Choreographer)
Rose Johnson (Scenic Designer)
Ellie Fey (Lighting Designer)
Clare McKellaston (Costume Designer)
Ab Rieve (Properties Designer)
Isaac Mandel (Sound Designer)
Katie Nowak (Stage Manager)
Mary Dixon (Assistant Stage Manager)
Jackson Mikkelsen (Production Electrician)