Lookingglass' Alice stronger, better than ever
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Company members mentioned in this article: David Catlin, Lauren Hirte, Larry DiStasi, Anthony Fleming III and Kevin Douglas by Chris Jones Lauren Hirte helps make the show a treatThe remarkable Lauren Hirte is one of those performers whose age is almost impossible to discern onstage. You're not quite sure if she is 7 or 37, which makes her an ideal candidate to play Lewis Carroll's Alice, that curiously ambiguous creature who is weirdly inclined to take dives into mirrors.For this third summer of "Alice," Lookingglass is once again packing its classy, intimate Mag Mile joint with families, especially mothers and daughters, probing the pleasures of whimsy and spending some quality time with Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee. Mercifully for Lookingglass, Hirte has returned once again to David Catlin's superb staging. For this Alice does big-time gymnastics and circus arts. You don't find a qualified actress hanging around in Borders. Not one as flawlessly physical yet genuinely quizzical. I've seen this hugely enjoyable show three times, and it's never been stronger. All of the best parts of the staging remain intact,including the startling opening—the chairs that pop out of the floor, the Red Queen's voyage across a swirling sea and (my personal favorite) Humpty Dumpty's terrifying fall. But there's some new stuff here too. The show surely now doesn't need to get any longer. But, in general, the psychedelic narrative feels just that little bit clearer this year, and more urgent. Alice has always had good supporting players—it feels as if this cast is far bigger than actually is the case. But the returning likes of Lawrence E. DiStasi, Anthony Fleming III, Kevin Douglas and Jesse J. Perez really knock themselves out this summer, crashing around the theater, imparting wisdom, mangling non sequiturs and taking great care of their Alice, as she tries, like all of us, to reach the next square on the chessboard without falling into a huge hole. Click here to purchase tickets to Lookinglass Alice online or call 312.37.0665. Copyright © 2008 Chicago Tribune |
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