“Masque Macabre” reviewed by Jeffrey Leibham

[rating=3]….And now for something completely different. Strawdog Theatre Company presents, just in time for the Halloween holiday, its shrewdly sinister production of “Masque Macabre,” which is inspired by the stories of Edgar Allen Poe. The creative team involves three writers (Aly Greaves Amidei, Cara Beth Heath and John Henry Roberts) and three directors (Anderson Lawfer, Janet Howe and Eli Newell). This immersive theatrical experience, perhaps the boldest and most audacious in this company’s history, is clearly a labor of love for its extensive creative team as well as being a rollicking good time.

Upon entrance you will be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement and given a sleek black mask to don as everyone is encouraged to conceal their identity. The concept is that all of the guests, which are the audience members, have been invited to a very exclusive but mysterious party, with four very specific rules. Our evening’s host is the spoiled son of the CEO of the fictitious Prince Enterprises, Inc. After a brief introduction from a female public relations executive (including a very cheeky video montage) and a bit of a narrative set-up from one of his confidants, we meet this enfant terrible, who instructs us to discount any of the reports on CNN regarding the federal investigation into his father’s corporation and invites us to roam freely throughout the cavernous space. Guest artist Tom Burch as scenic designer and lighting designers Claire Chrzan, Shelbi Arndt and Daniel Friedman have utilized the entire first level of Strawdog’s building to create over nine unique rooms in which all of the action plays out. This fun-house milieu is the perfect energy in which to process 14 of Poe’s tales which swirl and evolve around you. Half of the fun is trying to assemble all of the pieces of this intricate puzzle that include themes of white-collar crime, murder and revenge.

Since there is so much going on around you as all of the plot lines are taking place concurrently in real time, it may be best to go with a group of friends or family members. Have them split up and wander around alone. Then, at the evening’s conclusion, everyone can regroup and discuss the details that they gleaned. Better yet, since there are two performances each evening, see both of them back-to-back. (If you choose this option, you will be asked to leave the property for a very brief interlude at the end of the first show so that the stage manager can re-set the house for the second one). However, you can also learn a great deal in a short period of time if you hang out in one particular room. As the evening begins and you are allowed to explore, check out the first room just to the north of the lobby. Keep an eye on the numerous TV monitors in this room, and even go over to the wall which has multiple rotary dial phones mounted upon it. Pick up one of those phones and listen for a bit. If you’re really lucky, a cast member may pull you and a few other audience members into a private room, and the devil only knows what’s going on in there. The curiosity can kill.

Come partake of a frightening good time and join this cabal of evil merrymakers. Sip a drink at the bar and be sure to check out the “dungeon gallery” adorned with a collection of ornately designed Crystal Head Vodka bottles. Crystal Head Vodka is the official vodka of “Masque Macabre.”

“Masque Macabre” runs through October 31, 2018

Strawdog Theatre Company is located at 1802 West Berenice Avenue, Chicago

Remaining performances are:

Friday, Oct. 26                   7:00 PM and 9:30 PM

Saturday, Oct. 27              7:00 PM and 9:30 PM

Sunday, Oct. 28                 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM

Monday, Oct. 29               7:00 PM and 9:30 PM

Tuesday, Oct. 30               7:00 PM and 9:30 PM

Wednesday, Oct. 31       7:00 PM and 9:30 PM

Tickets: $50, Seniors $40. Single tickets and season subscriptions are currently available at www.strawdog.org. Half price Rush and Student tickets are available at every performance and other discounts also available. Call (773) 644-1380 for details.

Running time is approximately 70 minutes with no intermission.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Masque Macabre”