Theatre & Stage reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff

"The Nutcracker and the King of Mice" (thru January 8)

This is the time of year when theaters all over the area compete with each other in bringing Christmas plays/stories/revues to their stage. There are many of the old standbys, which we all love, but there are some very novel productions that are really worth seeing. The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs is attempting to give more of these new troupes an opportunity to reach the large audience potential by presenting productions in the venues that they operate. I recently reviewed "500 Clown (sings) Christmas Carol(s)" at Gallery 37. Now, just cross the street and in the Studio Theatre of the Chicago Cultural Center, you will find "The Nutcracker And The King Of Mice", a presentation of E.T.A/ Hoffman's classic story put on by a group known as Incurable Theater, directed by Cynthia Von Orthak. This production uses masks, puppets and marionettes, built just for the telling of this story with wonderful music composed (and conducted) by Robert Cruz. A show that has very few slow spots and is perfect for children of all ages. The use of puppets makes the storytelling much easier for the little ones who truly get involved. This production starts off with a live performer Ed Dzialo as the crusty old storyteller mixing it up with the audience. One the show begins he plays a little more until he enters the magic curtain and becomes a marionette. (his voice still is his).

The story telling has a few twists and the story within the story, that of the magic spell of the Mouse King with five heads, is quite spectacular, with stick puppets behind a screen that is shadow like lit (truly fun to watch) as the actual story teller tells the story to two puppets in another stage area. There are times when tech problems made it a little difficult to see the entire middle stage area, but the actors who do the voices were able to convey their message loud and clear and despite a few little tech flaws, this was truly a fun way to see a holiday play. A tip of the stocking cap to Joy Dennis,Damien Hinojosa, Louisa Hoyt,Lindsay Porter, Jack Reardon,Carlin Schwinghamer, Emily Tamblyn and Darian Tyler. the puppeteers and voices for this marvelous entertainment experience. This production will run through January 8th at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street with performances as follows:

Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. (No show for Christmas and New Years eves and days( always strange for a Holiday Show).

Tickets are $15 (a bit more than a move and a much better experience), $10 for students and seniors ( so bring Grandma and Grandpa and your kids). In fact make a day of it by shopping the Mag Mile, head over to Millennium Park and do a little skating, have a hot chocolate and come see a show! Wow!

Tickets can be purchased online at www.incurabletheater.org or call 773-635-0109. For more info on what is happening at the cultural center visit www.cityofchicago.org/culturalcenter.