Glassheart by Reina Hardy is now in production as a Chicago premiere at City Lit Theater 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, through February 23, 2025, under the skilled direction of Executive Artistic Director Brian Pastor in his returning inaugural season. The play is based upon Beauty and the Beast, a universally known fairy tale from the 1700’s, in which a handsome prince is turned into a monster after refusing to allow a fairy in out of the rain. Of course, there is a way out of this dilemma; the curse-breaker will be finding true love, despite his appearance.
Although certainly in need of pruning- half an hour off the 2-hour length with tighter controls over extraneous repetition would be a boon- this is a thoroughly engaging, nicely stagecrafted and finely directed piece of eerie black humor with a strong and meaningful message. It’s not just a story about the love of a wise hearted (and ultracute) maiden, whose true sentiments frees her Prince, although Glassheart provides us with a comely, albeit nutty pretty girl who is sucker punched into the Beast’s space.
There are 2 other characters who imbue this version with a new and intriguing twist. First, there is a talking lamp who is devoted to The Prince, and to whom he is devoted. She sacrifices her space and time for The Beauty, who, rather than absorbing it carelessly, wants The Lamp to become self actualized. The Prince, too, doesn’t wish to cavalierly dispose of The Lamp for the sake of his looks or freedom. In addition, there is a snarky villainous Witch, who, while she predictably tries to co-opt everybody’s existence for her own gain, also seems sensible and rational in her evil, and isn’t that scary?
Is it better to remain a hidden outcast than betray your friends? Is it worse to stay inanimate? Does the end justify the means? Glassheart leaves it to us to decide but impresses us with the depth of its character study, and the sincerity of the performers.
Together, they create an ambience all their own. In a claustrophobic 1 room apartment somewhere in Chicago, with a magic mirror, twinkling stars on the walls and ceiling, and doors that lead everywhere and nowhere, a tender drama unfolds. A monster conceals The Hunchback of Notre Dame’s unhappy ending to save the feelings of a Lamp. A Beauty admits her foibles and befriends a piece of furniture. Strong convictions overcome weak morals. And temptation leads only to gingerbread and chocolate consumption, not the death of children.
Roses to the cast: Mark Pracht as The Beast, gives us a studied, roaring, diffident fully developed sufferer. Kat Evans as Only the Lamp, is the strongest, staunchest supporter one could wish, with a gorgeous voice. Cailyn Murray as Aiofe, the Beauty, is a disarming modern charmer. Elaine Carlson as The Witch is a delightfully brilliant, wicked scene stealer.
Kudos to the production staff including Courtney Abbott, intimacy coordinator, for stoking the heartstrings; Jeremiah Barr, scenic/technical designer for setting the stage; Paul Chakrin, violence designer, for scaring us but not too much; Liz Cooper, lighting designer, for the twinkling stars; kClare McKellaston, costume designer, for the adorable togs and those goofy hats; and Petter Wahlbäck, sound designer and composer, for the vibes.
All photos by Steve Graue
For information and tickets to all the great shows at City Lit Theater, go to www.citylit.org
Splash Magazines
Be the first to comment