Joliet native helps bring John Hughes film scenes to the stage in 'For the Record'
afuller@dailyherald.com
The iconic '80s film "The Breakfast Club" resonated with many teens, and Patrick Mulvey was one of them.
"It's set in a high school in the Midwest, and maybe once in my life, I did have a Saturday detention," he says with a laugh. "I'm sure I can relate."
So it's a dream come true for Mulvey to be starring in scenes from the film - as well as other '80s classics - on the stage, the actor says. From March 5 to 15, the Joliet native can be seen in "For the Record: Dear John Hughes," at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.
The hit Los Angeles "For the Record" series breathes new life into movies by adapting the works and movie soundtracks of iconic directors into a theatrical concert setting. This production pays homage to beloved Chicago filmmaker John Hughes, whose coming-of-age 1980s teen films include "Sixteen Candles," "Weird Science," "Pretty in Pink," "Some Kind of Wonderful" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," in addition to "The Breakfast Club."
Through song and dance, actors recreate iconic scenes. Featured songs include "Don't You (Forget About Me)," "We Are Not Alone," "If You Leave," "Pretty in Pink," "If You Were Here" and "True."
The cast includes Chicago native Jackie Seiden and Rumer Willis - daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis - who will start the run before returning to L.A. to compete in "Dancing With the Stars." Actress Evan Rachel Wood will step in at that point.
Mulvey plays roles ranging from Ferris Bueller's principal to the grandfather in "Sixteen Candles." Bringing such iconic scenes to the stage was a challenge, he says, but it's ultimately the perfect way to celebrate Hughes' films.
"It's always hard when they're such famous films, and the audience has a preconception of what to expect," he says.
Hughes' films featured the near-universal themes of teenage angst, confusion and exploration. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the release of "The Breakfast Club," which is Mulvey's personal favorite. The movie about five very different teens serving a Saturday detention was filmed at the old Maine North High School in Des Plaines. And it influenced how many young people viewed class, friendship and love.
"(Hughes) did an amazing job of exploring the heart and mind of teens, their challenges, their relationships with parents, with school, with each other, and with themselves," Mulvey says. "The teenage heart and soul is really glorified and magnified in this production."
Mulvey, who graduated from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, says he's looking forward to returning home to Chicago. Best known for his work on the Fox drama "The Mob Doctor" and the nine-time Tony Award-winning musical "Billy Elliot" on Broadway, Mulvey now lives in Los Angeles.
"I miss Chicago every day, and I'm just so excited to see old friends and visit the Chicago theater community," he says.
“For the Record: Dear John Hughes”
Location: Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut, Chicago, (800) 775-2000 or
Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, from Thursday, March 5, through Sunday, March 15.
Tickets: $32-$79