Review of the Steadfast Tin Soldier a Christmas Pantomime

A New Christmas Pantomime

The Steadfast Tin Soldier–Lookingglass Theatre

A New Christmas Pantomime

Nosotros know information technology's the vacation season at Lookingglass Theatre from the moment we enter the theatre. The act curtain has been transformed into a gigantic Advent calendar. While the 4 powdered-wigged musicians brainstorm playing below, in the show'due south petite pit orchestra, the cast enters the stage ane-by-one. Clothed in brightly colored costumes, deliciously designed and created past Ana Kuzmanic, each character opens a new door and reacts to the images behind them. The terminal door reveals the titular character and the pantomime begins. By the conclusion of the play the audience volition understand the significance of each item.

In the first scene, a very young little male child opens his Christmas gift. Inside he discovers a wonderful drove of tin toy soldiers. Ane of the soldiers, even so, was the last one to exist cast from the metallic and is missing one of his legs. As he gazes nigh the nursery, he spies a dollhouse, inside of which a beautiful ballerina paper doll is also continuing on one leg. Immediately the can soldier falls in beloved with her, merely another toy, the Jack-in-the-Box (who'south actually an evil goblin) becomes jealous.

He magically causes the tin soldier to fall out of the window and into the street that's been flooded past all the rain. Ii mischievous lads spot the soldier and, after folding a piece of paper into a boat, they prepare the 1-legged toy sailing through the gutters. The boat falls downwards into the storm sewer, taking the soldier with it, where information technology eventually works its style down to the stream. There a hungry fish swallows the soldier, but the bass is eventually caught by a fisherman. He sells the fish to a cook who prepares information technology for her family's dinner. Ironically, she works for the aforementioned household of the picayune male child who once endemic the steadfast tin can soldier. What happens next are the evil machinations of the jealous goblin. The story sadly ends tragically with the ballerina and the soldier reunited for eternity.

This is one more of the many stories written by famed Danish author, Hans Christian Andersen. In the early 19th century he wrote dozens of fairytales for children, such every bit "The Little Mermaid," "The Snow Queen," "The Emperor'southward New Clothes" and "The Ugly Duckling." However, "The Steadfast Tin can Soldier" was Andersen'southward outset story that wasn't inspired past some other folk tale. It was completely original.

Throughout the years, the popular story has been adapted past other writers and translated into many formats, such equally moving picture books, songs, animated feature films, TV movies, ballets and plays for the stage. However, in this brand-new family friendly vacation play, written and directed by multi award-winner, Mary Zimmerman, the story is presented as an English Christmas pantomime. It contains no spoken dialogue, but features, through Lookingglass Theatre's unique style of storytelling, color, glitter, comedy, spectacle, music, memorable characters and an enchanting, heartbreaking story of honey. It'southward a tale of undaunted bravery and faithful devotion to the heart.

Staged upon, what seems to be, a big, beautifully detailed life-size boob theatre, elegantly designed by Todd Rosenthal, the play is dazzlingly lit by T.J. Gerckens and features several majestic, lifelike puppets by the Chicago Puppet Studio. The Baby that opens the bear witness, for instance, is a masterpiece of creativity. Amanda Herrmann provides her own artistry in the pattern and creation of dozens of props and miniatures. Original music was co-equanimous by Amanda Dehnert and Andre Pluess; he also co-designed the bear witness's soundtrack with Christopher M. LaPorte. The production is musically directed and accompanied on piano past Leandro Lopez Varady. His tiny orchestra includes the wonderful Greg Hirte on violin, Michal Palzwicz on cello and Constance Volk on woodwinds.

The bandage is composed of five gifted, versatile actors, almost all of them playing multiple roles. Alex Stein makes his Lookingglass debut equally the Tin Soldier. His innocence, strength and steadfast decision brand his graphic symbol a lovable new hero for many of the young audience members. Mr. Stein is fantabulous in this function. Playing several roles, Kasey Foster is particularly lovely and empathetic as the paper doll Ballerina, although she makes a feisty lilliputian street urchin, as well. John Gregorio is delightful as, amidst several roles, the nasty Rat. Newly named Artistic Associate, Anthony Irons is a maniacal menace every bit the Goblin/Jack-in-the-Box, among many other characters. And, e'er a please in any office he undertakes, Christopher Donahue plays the properly starched Edwardian Nursemaid/Cook, calculation merely the proper amount of coquetry. The histrion doubles in several other roles, as well.

Lookingglass Theatre never fails to enchant, mystify and, while impressing its audience, always manages to teach a subtle lesson, or two. All of this while providing some of the most memorable productions in Chicago. This world premiere lx-minute play is no exception. Mary Zimmerman's stylish family entertainment has been written with an attention to detail and directed with additional flair and finesse. The bandage, the musicians and the brilliant technical support are all first-rate and offering Chicago one more boggling entertainment choice for the holidays.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November vii-Jan 13 by Lookigglass Theatre Company within the celebrated H2o Belfry Works, 821 Due north. Michigan Ave. at Pearson, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 312-337-0665 or past going to www.lookingglasstheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting world wide web.theatreinchicago.com.

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Source: https://www.chicagotheatrereview.com/2018/11/a-new-christmas-pantomime/

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