Chicago’s treasure trove of holiday theatrical offerings became a little richer this year.
This show isn't exactly new, but it has a fresh twist to it this time around, making it even more family-friendly. Composer/lyricist Michael Smith, puppet designer Blair Thomas, and Tony Award-winning director Frank Galati once again adapt Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytale, turning it into a folk/rock opera. In this charming tale, Gerda must journey northward to the icy palace of the evil Snow Queen in order to save her young friend Kai. Along the way she learns life lessons from many creatures.
One of this particular production’s strengths is its multi-talented ensemble, in which only two of the actors play individual roles. Powerhouse singer/actress Blair Robertson returns for a second year to play Gerda with pluck sweetness and selfless determination. Punky Patrick Andrews charms the young audiences with his rockstar portrayal of Kai. The remaining characters become the creation of the rest of the company, including those from the onstage band. Not only does the six-member musical combo provide the accompaniment and choral vocals for the show, they solo as some of the play’s most whimsical and unforgettable characters, proving to be talented actors/singers, as well. In addition, three puppeteers create magic in song and movement with shadow and larger-than-life mask puppets, with the title character especially drawing gasps from children and adults alike.
Strongly influenced by Andersen’s talent for creating intricate paper cut-outs, set designer Jeff Bauer has embellished the main proscenium and his life-size puppet theater with animals, hearts, angels, dolls and other figures from Scandinavian design. This same motif is also mirrored in Tatjana Radisic’s inventive, brightly-colored folk costumes as well as in Blair Thomas’ unbelievably expressive cast of puppets. All combined, this newly restaged folk/rock opera fantasy offers everyone a different choice of holiday entertainment that can be appreciated all year long.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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