Falling Between the Cracks

Neverwhere – Lifeline Theatre

 

One night Richard Mayhew, a young Scottish office worker, discovers Door, an injured young woman lying alone on the street, covered in blood. Much to the chagrin of his snooty fiancee, Richard abandons Jessica to carry the wounded girl to his nearby apartment. Suddenly his mundane, work-a-day life turns into an incredibly implausible adventure, played out far below the streets of London. Thus, with an innocent act of kindness, Richard sets into motion one of the most exciting, unexpected adventures he could’ve ever imagined. 

Based upon the popular adult urban fantasy by British author Neil Gaiman (American Gods, The Sandman, Coraline), this, his first solo work, originally appeared as a novelization of his own 1996 BBC teleplay. Gaiman twice revised the novel and it’s always remained a bestseller among readers of sci-fi and fantasy. The story is set in “London Below,” a magical, parallel universe that exists within the sewers and tunnels of the city. Richard Mayhew accompanies Door, his mysterious new friend, helping her survive against a world of fanciful, freakish monsters and hired assassins.

Eight years ago Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric adapted Gaiman’s book into a Jeff Award-winning play. His work, which was both a critical and commercial success, continues to be produced internationally and throughout the United States. This new Chicago production, directed by Pegasus Theatre Artistic Director, Ilesa Duncan, brings Gaiman’s fantasy back to Chicago in a breathtaking, new production. Fans of Gaiman’s novel will not be disappointed and those who’ve never read the book will become new aficionados. Focusing her presentation of what it means to fall between the cracks, Duncan asks audiences to look at non-conformably perceived individuals, whether differently-abled, identified, gendered or hued, and to judge them on their own merits. This theme of acceptance particularly resonates in our contemporary world, especially in 21st century America, and is a big part of this play.

Ms. Duncan’s ensemble cast is the definition of versatility. With only a few exceptions, every actor portrays a slew of different characters. Jose Nateras makes a very likable hero as Richard Mayhew. The actor’s mastery of his Scottish accent is strong and consistent, without overpowering his lines. Nateras demonstrates a cunning talent for both verbal and physical humor, while managing, like most of his cast mates, to handle the wild stage violence that appears throughout this play (designed by R&D Choreography). Powerful actress Samantha Newcomb plays Door with dignity and physical dexterity. She manages to make the orphaned young woman sympathetic and likable while still portraying a kickass kid who won’t take any guff from anyone.

Leading her ensemble, Duncan has cast two incredibly gifted actors as the villainous, yet hilarious, Mr. Vandemar and Mr. Croup. The giant, brutish talent of LaQuin Groves balances beautifully with the quietly evil, intellectual manipulations of John Henry Roberts. Both actors easily morph into the company, but stand out as these two repugnant rapscallions. Matthew Singleton makes a very dignified, enigmatic Marquis de Carabas, while also playing a variety of other smaller roles. Dave Skvarla is delightfully funny as Old Bailey, the Master of Earl’s Court, and others. Aneisa Hicks is a frightening, commanding Hunter, as well as playing one of Richard’s silly coworkers. Michael Reyes gets to demonstrate what a chameleon of an actor he is as Islington, the Angel, as well as Richard’s nerdy office buddy, and several other characters. And Michaela Petro is very good as Jessica, while also creating an evil, sensuous vampire called Lamia.

In addition to Ilesa Duncan’s fine direction and energetic staging, this production features a pliably adaptable scenic design by Alan Donahue, enhanced by Michelle Underwood’s startling mobile projections, all lit with mystical majesty by Becca Jeffords. Andrew Hansen’s sound design and original music add yet another layer of polish to this production and Aly Renee Amidei’s costumes easily enable the cast to master the demands of each character.

This is a wonderful production, especially for fans of Neil Gaiman’s sublime, unique version of Alice’s Adventures Underground. Audiences looking for the perfect escapist comic drama, filled with action and adventure, should look no further than the current drama playing at this jewel of Rogers Park. Ilesa Duncan’s terrific production is a bracing, breathtaking good time that’s the theatrical equivalent of a great summer beach read. Just be careful of falling between the cracks.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas        

    

Presented May 25-July 15 by Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the Lifeline box office, by calling 773-761-4477 or by going to www.lifelinetheatre.com.

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