Theatre & Stage reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff

Lookingglass Alice (thru March 27th)

Many of us grew up with the wonderful stories of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through The Lookingglass" by Lewis Carroll. These stories have been blended into a wonderful adaptation by David Catlin for the 18th anniversary of the founding of The Lookingglass Theatre Company. This is a magical production with five of the most talented and energetic people you will see on a Chicago Stage. Alice (the fantastic Lauren Hirte) floats through the air, she flies and defies gravity and the rules of logic on her quest to become a Queen. Along the way she runs into the characters that we all know, but with a whole new perspective- The four male actors who take on a multitude of roles will simply astound you! Doug Hara (a wonderful Mad Hatter, the rabbit who leads Alice to the trail and his Humpty Dumpty is quite a piece of work);Tony Hernandez (The Nine Foot High Queen Of Hearts, and quite the juggler and gymnast); Anthony Fleming III (The Cheshire Cat ) and Lawrence E. Distasi (playing Mr. Carroll's alter ego Charles Dodgson as well as a bike riding White Knight). These gentlemen juggle, do acrobatics, juggle - you will laugh at the Tweedle Dee and Dum, the strange caterpillar and the wildest tea party you will ever see.

Director David Catlin has used the stage to its greatest advantage, making the theater a rectangle. When the audience first enters there is something strange about the look - there are very few rows of seats and what appears to be a small stage with a large chair and a fireplace with a large mirror over the mantel. A black velvet curtain is spread from side to side and the audience appears to be looking into the mirror, but as we find out, the mirror is clear and both audience sides see the same set with Alice on one side and Mr. Dodgson the other. They both begin with the same dialogue and then as they approach the mirror they realize that they are entering each other's world.And then- whoosh, all the curtains fall and the stagehands and actors clear the stage,setting the tone for what will come to be her journey. With trap doors and circus ropes, we are truly taken into a fantasy world. Dan Osting's sets, the wild lighting effects by Chris Binder, dazzling costumes by Mara Blemenfeld, Circus choreography by Sylvia Hernandez-Distasi (what a job she has doneb - these actors never stop surprising us) and as usual wonderful music (and sound) by Andre Pluess and Ben Sussman. This is a show for young and old (I would suggest the kids be at least eight.

The Lookingglass Theatre Company grew from the fantasies of its founders and now in their new home they continue to bring quality entertainment and exciting new ideas to the Chicago Theater Scene. I for one praise them for what they do and wish them many more years of the same. "Lookingglass Alice" will run through March 27th at the Lookingglass Theatre located at 821 N. Michigan Ave. (the old Water Tower Station) with performances as follows: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Saturday Evenings at 8 p.m. Sundays at 3 p.m.

There will be afternoon performances added for Wednesday March 9th and Saturday March19th and 26th at 3 p.m. Tickets range in price from $20-$58 and children between 5-16 are only $10 (a true value) For tickets stop by the box office or call 312-337-0665 for more info check out www.lookingglasstheatre.org.