Adventure Stage Chicago has once again produced an intelligent, thought-provoking play for the entire family. What's more, this marks two-time Newbery Award-winning children's author Lois Lowry's first theatrical adaptation of one of her own novels. The result is a startlingly beautiful - and faithful - adaptation that promises to evoke smiles, provoke a few tears and inspire audiences to think about bravery, confidence, family and love.
Two stories play out simultaneously. Littlest One is a tiny, inquisitive fairy-like creature learning to become a Dream-giver at the tutelage of a kindly and wise sprite, Thin Elderly. Together they visit their assigned home during the night, touching beloved objects and gathering memories of people, sights, sounds and scents. These essences will be breathed into the ears of the slumbering humans to inspire dreams. In a parallel story, a physically and emotionally abused little boy named John learns to bury his anger and accept a goodhearted old woman's unconditional love and respect. The stories merge as Littlest One helps protect the heart and soul of the boy, aiding him to escape the horrifying nightmares of his dark past inflicted by the fearsome Sinesteeds. In so doing, Littlest One discovers her own special talents and the confidence to become a caring mentor to yet another young Dream-giver.
This production is a masterpiece from start to finish, beginning with its superb artistic and technical support. Mikhail Fiksel's atmospheric sound design and original music, Karen Hoffman's ethereal set, evocative of a seashell's interior (an important story element) and Sean Mallary's dream- and nightmare-like lighting effects help set the mood. Masks, enormous puppets and supernatural costumes created by Laura Kollar, Tiffany Lange and Cynthia Von Orthal complete the fantastic effects.
Brian Bell has directed a collectively capable cast. Standouts include the wonderfully strong, selflessly caring Woman, as portrayed by Susan Adler, Elizabeth Birkenmeier as the sweetly innocent Littlest One and Allison Latta, playing both John's brave, abused mother and one of the other Dream-givers. But in an extraordinary portrayal of a young boy, Victoria Abram-Copenhaver creates a believable 8-year-old who will both aggravate you and steal your heart as he learns to become a loving little boy once more. Coupled with the usual intelligent pre- and post-show discussions, it is easy to see why Adventure Stage remains one of Chicago’s finest children's theaters.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
