A Timely New Twist

The Snow Queen – House Theatre of Chicago

Chicago’s treasure trove of holiday theatrical offerings is a little richer this year. One play that’s not exactly new, but has a timely, contemporary new twist this time around, is making the familiar fairy tale a lesson about living in harmony with everyone around us and doing something positive to encourage the global conservation that’ll effect generations to come. This new play by Lanise Antoine Shelley is perfect for the entire family although, at 85 minutes, children under ten may become a little antsy. 

Combining the updated fairy tale with some New Age score, a spectacular scenic and costume style (created from recycled materials) and some fantastic achievement in puppetry by designer Jesse Mooney-Bullock, this production is a terrific return for the House Theatre. With sets and costumes beautifully designed by Sully Ratkehe, lovely video work by Erin Pleake, moody lighting designed by Trey Brazeal and evocative music and sound by co-composers Kevin O’Donnell and Olanrewaju Adelowe, this grand production is guided by talented Chicago Director, Amber Montgomery. It’s both heartbreaking and spellbinding. 

The House Theatre has taken Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale about a youngster’s journey to save another child kidnapped by a cold-hearted witch, and fashioned it into an important drama about our world and our conserving the environment. The play is peopled by live actors and some magnificent, towering puppets. In order to rescue Kai, his young friend, and the entire world as well, Quin must journey northward to find Chione, one of the many names given to the young Snow Queen. Once accomplished, the young boy attempts to bring Kai back home to those who love him. Along the way Quin learns many important lessons from everyone he encounters.

One of the strengths of this particular production is its multi-talented cast. As Chione, Vero Maynez is absolutely captivating as the young Snow Queen. She portrays this wise woman with spirit, spunk and a touch of playfulness. Chione delivers the play’s important message of how we, the Watchers, have stood by and let climate change and global warming ruin the earth. As she witnesses her Winter Wonderland crumbling before her eyes in her magic mirror, the Snow Queen shares with the other characters, as well as with the audience, her warning that precious time is running out in which to rescue our world. In addition, Chione’s selfless determination to save her friend Harpier, a beautiful white raven, will bring tears to eye.  

Punky Jackie Seijo charms the young audiences with their honest, very realistic portrayal of Quin. The youngster, who we initially meet roughhousing with their cousin, Kai (played with joy and abandonment by Vincent William) discovers their love for their friend in a most unusual way. When the pair accidentally break Chione’s mirror, one of the shards flies into Kai’s eye. In order to save their cousin and best friend, Quin must go on a journey, a quest, to once again find the Snow Queen. Then, the two of them, with Harpier leading the way, travel to find Womoon, the Mother Earth. She’s played with wisdom and humor by accomplished actor, Molly Brennan, who also portrays the boys’ Grandmother.

The play gets a little muddled at this point, but by having everyone, including the Watchers in the audience, pledge to help save the environment, the shard magically is extracted from Kai. Although affected by the trauma, both the boy and the earth will, we’re told, eventually survive. At the end of the story, the audience is invited to join the cast onstage. Joining together they place their shiny pieces of mirror together like a jigsaw puzzle (cleverly disguised as the admission tickets), in order to make the world whole again. If it were only this simple!   

Three puppeteers create additional magic, inhabiting some incredible life-size puppets. Christine Mayland Perkins is the voice and body for both the wind and the long, winding river. Thomas Tong makes a lovable white raven, as he operates and voices Harpier. Roxy Adviento is wonderfully versatile, manipulating the cute little arctic fox. Perkins is also the front half of the enormous polar bear and Vincent Williams, when he isn’t playing Kai or the wise, old Glass Smith, operates the rear portion of the bear. Later Ms. Adviento surprises the audience by re-entering the stage guiding a sweet, little, newborn polar bear cub. These magical, life-size puppets are the real stars of the production and they draw gasps and applause from the entire audience.  Strongly influenced by Hans Christian Andersen’s melancholy story of faith, friendship and sacrifice, Lanise Antoine Shelley’s thoughtful adaptation is both charming and educational. Filled with excellent acting and some unbelievable life-size puppets, this is a wintertime story with an important message for us all year long. Chicago families will surely enjoy and never forget this unique holiday entertainment that will resonate forever in their hearts.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 12-January 2 by The House Theatre of Chicago at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division Street, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office or by going to www.thehousetheatre.com.

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