“A History of Everyhting”

[rating=5] Every so often, theater audiences get to experience “something special”, “something extraordinary” and through Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s marvelous “World’s Stage” program, this year, we are privileged to witness one of the most marvelous theater art pieces I have ever seen, “A History of Everything”” presented in their “studio theater” upstairs by the Ontroerend Goed Company of Belgium. The members of the company worked with  the Sydney Theatre Company to bring this unique work of art to the stage. The text is written by Alexander Devriendt ( who is also the director) and Joeri Smet ( who is also a performer in the piece). Of course, one can see that the entire cast was involved in putting this together as they are for the 100 minutes of non-stop action on the stage as we are transformed from today ( and I mean today) back through time until we reach a point of no return, but, they do allow us to come back to the present, otherwise how would this brilliant cast get a standing ovation for the marvelous work they set before the audience.

While Devriendt is called the director, I prefer to think of him as more of a choreographer,r as even though this is not a dance show, each movement is special and done to perfection, which is as close as one gets to choreography. The story which is based on evolutionary theory, cosmology,astronomy and the wonders of the world and universe takes on a journey that far outweighs “Back to the Future” or any other short film on cable channel. It is almost like a history lesson taught be a group of interpretative dancers with great music in the background ( although on a few occasions a bit louder than needed for the room), the sets and costumes by Sophie De Soemere are wonderful an dthe props, OMG, the props were amazing thanks to STC Technical and Production Departments ( Sydney Theater Company).

The players, Charlotte De Bruyne, Zindi Okenyo, Matthieu Sys, Nathalie Verbeke, Joeri Smet and the remarkable Tahki Saul are all key to the perfection of this performance art piece. Saul, in the final episode back to the begining does some amazing chalk art ( that is watched by the audience as he keeps changing the pictures as we go further back in time and what we saw no longer exists as it has not emerged through evolution.. As the close of the story gets closer, the music becomes more intense an dthe performers take us to places where we might never have even thought or dreamed to go. The performance art does illustrate that the universe is far greater than the parts contained in it and by seeing all of this, we, the audience members, realize just how meaningless ( and meaningful) our existence is!

“A History of Everything” is here ONLY through June 3rd with performances Tuesday-Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Tickets, believe it or not, are only $35-$45, a very real bargain for work of this quality. This is a show that you will hold in your mind and heart for years to come. Purchase your tickets at the theater box office on Navy Pier, by phone at 312-595-5600 or online at www.chicagoshakes.com

There is discounted parking at Navy Pier ( bring your ticket to the box office for validation) and lots of dining spots. They also are opening their annual Cirque Shanghai, so lots of summer fun is in store for you at Navy Pier.

To learn more about this show, see the History page at www.theatreinchicago.com