"SKANKY ME FROM KANKAKEE" - A World Premiere Rock Musical

When you read the description of Marc Francoeur's "Skanky Me From Kankakee" you might be inclined, like me, to think its just another one of those coming of age, coming out stories that you've seen a hundred times. You would be SO wrong. Marc, an uber-talented singer, performer, writer, paints a hilarious picture of small town america in the 70's, with a cast of characters we all can relate to..gay or straight: the clueless yet sweet-in-denial mother, stern working class hero dad that believes its better to kill your dream than follow it, and the bullies and confidants you meet along the journey to self discovery. The show moves along at a fast clip with lots of laughs, R-rated exploits, spot on singing with harmonies backed by an excellent ... full review

great cast! funny, punny, and everyone involved is very talented. Marc belted it out for 90 minutes straight, and the rest of the cast seamlessly managed several roles (and set/costume changes, to boot!) with aplomb. very entertaining : ) it 'filled my tanky!'... full review

I saw Skanky Me from Kankakee on its preview night. It was a fast paced and powerful musical, jam packed into the tiny Hudson Guild Theater. It is a very personal story of singer/writer Marc Francoeur's coming of age and coming out in a small midwestern town. The singing is wonderful, Francoeur and the five ensemble members create well rehearsed, splendid harmonies backed up by a fabulous live band. The choreography was clever and racy. Also well choreographed are the projections, props and lighting, which propel the audience through a barrage of scene changes. Indeed enjoyable.... full review

I imagine this is true of many of the Fringe shows, but huge props to the writer for so bravely sharing his story that at times seems outrageous, unfair, poignant, and yet universal and honest. Smart use of the space, multi-tasking chorus in challenging roles, minimal yet effective costuming, and a strong, endearing lead in Francoeur. Most of all, extremely COMMITTED acting! I teared up 3 times. And bravo for having a live band!... full review

I was so incredibly moved and inspired by this show! I laughed my ass off, had tears in my eyes, and was just amazed by the performance of Marc and all of the actors! It was so great I am going to see it again this week! Clever, genuine, and funny- this show is something everyone can relate too. I definitely did having grown up in the Midwest like Marc! A very moving and freeing story, LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!... full review

While a very personal, 1-man-showish event, it was more irreverent fun than overblown ego. Marc is an open, boy-like spirit who is very engaging & has some pipes on him! Plus he's a very talented musical writer. The multi-role cast, all women playing both genders, fleshes it out nicely & makes the whole journey more relatable & less ego-driven. "Mom" has an amazing voice too, & the cast looks like they're having a wacky good time, operating skillfully in the intimate space. Great orchestra, long, beautiful legs doing high kicks, some surprising, colorful staged and sung shocks (to the more puritanical) that make for a good laugh. Maybe could've benefitted from an intermission. Had a very enjoyable evening, suitable of the Fringe.... full review

A Knock-Your-Socks-Off Production! If you want an entertaining musical at the Fringe, look no further! Here it is! Great live music, singing and acting, a very talented cast, and an interesting story with a great deal of heart and humor - all adding up to a fun and frolicking time at the theater! Folks, they are going to put on a show for you! And they're going to give it their all! Marc is a man on a journey, and this account of his struggles to find himself is one I believe everyone can relate to on some level. There are a few references to gay sex, always handled with humor and humanity, but it's not the dominant theme of this play. There is a well told, interesting, and meaningful story here. There's also a cast of beautiful, talented, a... full review

I saw this show on opening night. It was a tremendous show, and like all shows that make me feel all the feels, it left me thinking about life, humanity, and where I belong. I highly recommend it to anybody who wants to simply enjoy their theater experience, or anybody who wants to be left thinking.... full review

a coming of age tale about a young gay boy growing up in the midwest in the 1970's, "Skanky me from Kankakee " is full of heart. Marc Francoeur's songs are beautifully crafted and the show manages to be both personal - it is an autobiography - and universal as we follow his young hero on a quest for love, acceptance and self-acceptance. With references to Big Jim, Charlie's angels and Barbie's dream house, "Skanky me..." Is a love letter to the 1970's as well as a heartfelt exploration of the constant balancing act you must accomplish to survive adolescence when you are "different". ... full review

A great show that seems to squeezed into the space they had to use. But the story was brilliantly written, some of the songs were okay and but all were catchy as heck. (I still at random moments will sing, "BOOB TUBE!" because come on, ear worm if there ever was one). Watching the actresses become the different people in his life was fun and you have to give it them for doing quick costume changes and using just one or two items of clothing to become a different character. While I feel this basically was the workshop step of this piece I know it will go onto be very popular. With a title like Skanky Me.... and catchy songs how could it not? Although I admit the simulated sex was a bit much but more power to them for willing to do it and not ... full review