“The Little Prince”

[rating=4]Attending a play at Lookingglass Theatre is in many ways an “adventure”. The theater is truly a “black box” and each production has a different ( and unique) feel to the venue itself. Their current production, “The Little Prince” which is produced in association with The Actors Gymnasium, is truly an adventure of its own. Based on the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, this version written by Rick Cummins and John Scoullar, retells the story of a pilot, who has had a plane mishap in the Sahara Desert meeting a young prince ( played with great zest by the adorable and very agile Amelia Hefferon) who has fallen from the sky. As the prince relates his tale to the pilot ( deftly handled by Ian Barford) we are taken on a 90 minute jouney which is truly an experience that will last as a fond memory.

Directed by David Caitlin on a very unique set (Courtney O’Neill) which has the look of a skateboard ramp and is used to full advantage by the cast, with great lighting effects(William Kirkham) and superb costumes( Sally Dolembo) and marvelous sound ( Rick Sims), this is a visual play that keeps the interest of each viewer for the full 90 minutes. The choreography (Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi) is very athletic and “circus” like and in the vein of “Lookingglass Alice”, the sensational hit contains many of the elements that made that an event that brought audiences from all over.

While we have two main characters, it is the rest of the cast, the ensemble members that truly make this a perfect story telling experience. Adeoye, Kareem Bandealy, Kasey Foster, Raymond Fox, Lauren Hirte and Louise Lamson play many roles during this tale and make many costume changes in doing so. There are many wonderful moments in this production that will remind you of “Alice”, but some new ideas that will inspire you to reach new heights as well. While it is a “fairy tale” of sorts, there is something to be learned from the story- it is about awakening, reality, dreams and of most importance, sharing!

“The Little Prince” was created for the family and youngsters will be enthralled by the special effects. I would say thought that if your child, or grand child, has a fear of darkness, this may be just a bit “much”. Otherwise, there are lessons to be learned from this entertainment, this theatrical experience that has been extended through February 23rd with performances as follows:

Tuesdays 3 p.m. ( on 12/31) and 7:30 p.m.                                                   

Wednesdays 7:30 p.m. ( except 12/25 and 1/1)

Thursdays 3 p.m. ( excpt 1/30 and 2/13) 2/6 at noon and 5 p.m.) 7:30 p.m. ALL THURSDAYS

Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  3 and 7:30 p.m.

Sundays 3 and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $45-$75

Target Saturday Matinees are buy one get one free ( perfect time to bring the youngsters)

Student tickets ( limited) are available at $20 with student ID

To purchase tickets, visit the theatre at 821 N. Michigan Avenue ( the Water Tower Water Works building) call 312- 337-0665 or online at www.lookingglasstheatre.org

discounted parking is available  at John Hancock Center and Olympia Centre Self Park ( 161 E. Chicago Avenue, BE SURE the sign says OLYMPIA).

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-up and click at “The Little Prince”