“The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk” Reviewed by Frank Meccia

***** Northlight Theatre’s production of The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk is nothing short of a masterpiece—a beautifully choreographed blend of music, movement, and visual storytelling that perfectly embodies the expressionist spirit of Marc Chagall’s art. The play, written by Daniel Jamieson with music by Ian Ross and directed by Elizabeth Margolius, recounts the life and love story of Marc Chagall and his wife, Bella, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Vitebsk, a town that was once a Jewish cultural center, before its devastation during World War II.

The narrative traces Marc and Bella’s love, which blossomed in 1909 in Vitebsk and weaves through the trials of their artistic pursuits. As a painter, Chagall’s surreal, vibrant creations often seem to float off the canvas, and this production achieves a similar feat, making the stage come alive with dreamlike moments of music and dance.
Jack Cahill-Lemme’s portrayal of Marc Chagall is nothing short of extraordinary. His performance captures the artist’s look, essence, and enigmatic energy. Having seen interviews with Chagall, I can say Cahill-Lemme succeeds in bringing the painter’s spirit to life. His passion and curiosity are palpable, and the actor portrays Chagall’s internal world with subtlety and care.

Emma Rosenthal, as Bella, is equally magnificent. Rosenthal is a Northwestern University graduate who delivers a powerful performance, embodying Bella’s strength and depth. Her singing is both haunting and heartwarming, and her dance movements feel like brushstrokes painting her love story across the stage. The chemistry between Cahill-Lemme and Rosenthal is electric, making their shared scenes genuinely captivating.

The music, a crucial element of the production, is performed live under the deft direction of Jeff Award-winning Michael Mahler. Mahler, along with Elisa Carlson, plays a variety of instruments, adding richness and texture to the play’s world. Their musical accompaniment doesn’t just enhance the production—it becomes a vital character, echoing the emotional and artistic pulse of the show.

Elizabeth Margolius’ direction, particularly her choreography of movement, is seamless. Each gesture and motion feels purposeful, blending with the music and set design to create a fluid visual experience. The show’s rhythm never falters, and Margolius’ staging makes full use of every inch of space, from the intimate moments in Chagall’s studio to the sweeping grandeur of their shared dreams and memories.

Scott Penner’s scenic design is deceptively simple at first glance, yet it transforms with each scene. Using inventive lighting, the stage morphs from a quaint Russian town to the floating, dreamlike worlds of Chagall’s imagination, creating an immersive experience that enhances the characters’ emotional journeys.
In every sense, The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk is a triumph—a celebration of love, art, and resilience. Northlight Theatre has delivered a poignant, visually stunning production that will linger in your heart long after the final bow.

Don’t miss this remarkable show, playing through October 6th. Performances are:

Friday at 7:30 pm

Saturday at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm

Sunday at 2:30 pm,

Open Caption performance on Friday, September 27th.

Tickets start at $49, with student tickets available for $15. For more information, visit www.northlight.org or

call the box office at (847) 673-6300.

If you see only one production this season in the suburbs, make sure it’s this one. The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk is a testament to the power of art, love, and storytelling.

Northlight performances take place at The North Shore Center for Performing Arts located in Skokie at 9501 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie with plenty of free parking

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “”The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk”.