The Return of a Holiday Fairy Tale

The Steadfast Tin Soldier – Lookingglass Theatre

For two seasons, Chicago’s highly-respected Lookingglass Theatre has presented Mary Zimmerman’s creative adaptation this charming, yet sad, holiday story, based upon the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. This year, however, because of the  restrictions imposed by the pandemic, a previously filmed, live streamed presentation is available for the month of December, to enjoy in the safety and comfort of our homes. Here’s a true  theatrical treasure that’s perfect for the whole family, and a Christmas story that shouldn’t be missed.

Andersen is the 19th century Danish author who also wrote such dark children’s classics as “The Little Mermaid,” “The Snow Queen” and “The Ugly Duckling,” among dozens of other memorable fairy tales. “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” is a beloved, doleful story of love and sacrifice. Because it’s bookended by two Christmases, Ms. Zimmerman has adapted the holiday tale for the stage. It’s a sumptuous, colorful production presented in the style of an English pantomime and filled with lush, live music played by a talented, four-piece pit orchestra. And, unbelievably, only five talented, versatile actors play all the characters in this story, and they do it with fervor and fondness.

The holiday is on display, from the very first moment of this eye-catching play. Todd Rosenthal has elegantly designed the  setting for this story as a life-sized puppet theatre, dazzlingly lit by T.J. Gerckens. It opens with an act curtain that’s actually a gigantic Advent calendar. Clothed in Ana Kuzmanic’s glorious period costumes, one-by-one the cast enters the stage and opens each of the 25 tiny doors, revealing images that are integral to the story. The audience’s expectations are aroused as they view what’s behind each opening and speculate the significance of each. The production is made even more magical by incorporating several lifelike puppets, created by the Chicago Puppet Studio; and Amanda Herrmann’s artistry shines in her dozens of lovely props and miniatures.

The story, told ingeniously without dialogue, begins with a young little boy opening his Christmas gifts and discovering a box of tiny tin soldiers. One of the toys, however, was the last to be molded and is missing a leg. As the lonely Soldier gazes about the nursery, he peers into the window of the dollhouse, where he discovers a beautiful paper doll ballerina standing on one leg. Immediately the Tin Soldier relates to her and falls in love. However, another toy in the nursery, the grinning Jack-in-the-Box, who’s really an evil, magical goblin, becomes jealous of their attraction. He sets out to destroy their relationship.

The artists involved in this production are unbelievably talented and likable. Alex Stein is, indeed, steadfast as the Tin Soldier. His portrayal is filled with innocence, strength and determination, creating a lovable new hero for young audiences. Kasey Foster is lovely, graceful and empathetic as the paper doll Ballerina, also she makes a feisty little street urchin, among other roles. John Gregario is delightful in the many demanding  parts he plays. They include a nasty River Rat and a lovestruck Fishmonger, among several others. Anthony Irons is frightening as the evil, maniacal Goblin/Jack-in-the-Box, among  many other characters. And Joe Dempsey is hilarious as a properly starched Edwardian Nursemaid/Housekeeper. He brings the perfect amount of coquetry and feistiness to this lady, doubling in many other roles, as well.

Mary Zimmerman has inventively directed her new play with great care and affection. It features Lookingglass Theatre’s unique style of storytelling, color, comedy, spectacle, glitz, music and memorable characters. Filmed for live streaming by HMS Media, this online presentation is an hour-long  heartbreaking fantasy of love, undaunted bravery and faithful devotion to the very end.     

Highly Recommended 

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented December 1-27 by Lookingglass Theatre at Online Stream.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.lookingglasstheatre.org.

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