“Solaris”

[rating=3] If you are into science fiction and love space stories, then you might find that The Raven Theatre on North Clark Street is where you should be. Right now, Griffin Theatre Company, one of our premiere companies, is presenting the North American Premiere of “Solaris” adapted from the novel by Stanislaw Lem by David Greig. This is a sci-fi thriller expertly directed by Scott Weinstein who uses his creativity to make this stage production almost seem as if it is happening now- with us breaking the fourth wall to observe for ourselves.

I was quite impressed by the set ( Joe Schermoly should be nominated for a Jeff Award for sure) that has us in several areas of a space station that is observing “Solaris”, an isolated ocean planet. We are on the space station and we meet the three scientists who are on the mission with some transmissions from Gibarian ( Larry Baldacci- appearing on video, but as always, splendid) who began the mission, but is now being treated for Cancer.

When a new scientist arrives , Dr. Kelvin ( played to perfection by Isa Arciniegas) to see what the abnormal activity of latest reports were, she discovers that her life and her past are with her. It seems that the planet, Solaris, may have the ability to attach itself to those studying it and reading their minds. In the case of Kelvin, a long lost love of hers, Ray ( John Drea) appears from nowhere. She cannot explain him or how he got there, but her partners, Dr. Sartorius (Nicole Laurenzi) and Dr. Snow (Ethan Warren filling in tonight for T. J. Thomas and doing a splendid job, except for his inability to smoke a cigarette). In fact, might I take a moment to explain that if you are uncomfortable holding a cigarette and have never smoked, tell the director you would prefer NOT to smoke. In most cases, the need to have a smoke is not valid for the story to make sense. In this one , for sure!

Greig’s adaptation takes us in the direction of whether or not there is life on this planet and if so, can they transmit forms that take on the appearance of people who were in the pasts of the scientists? By the way, there is also a little girl ( an adorable Kajsa Allen and on other performances Alexandrya Salazar)) who until the second act we are not sure of how she fits. We do find out in the second act.  would have to say that the story is deep and examines what can happen to lonely people. Because these people have been isolated from their world for a long period of time, is it possible that they are hallucinating?

What  we take away from this story is that what we know about the universe is far easier to learn than we know about our own hearts. While there have been several film adaptations over the years, not being a “sci-fi” person, I have never seen one. I will say this about this play “it is worth catching, even if you are not a sci-fi fan”. It does get to you, it is well acted, very well directed and except for being almost 2 1/2 hours ( with one intermission) a little long. The music is composed by Eric Backus who also handled the sound design), the costumes ( Izumi Inaba) and the props (Ivy Treccani) were truly well done and the intimacy direction was handled by Courtney Abbott. The projection and video design were done by Yeaji Kim.

“Solaris” will continue at The Raven Theatre located at 6157 N. Clark Street ( they do have a small parking lot next door and there is street parking in the area) thru March 27th with performances as follows:

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  7:30 p.m.

Sundays  3 p.m.

Tickets are $40 ( open seating)- Students, military, active or veterans- $15 and can be ordered by calling 773-338-2177 or online at

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

The Raven Theatre follows the city of Chicago Covid policies. Check in with ID and vac card, and masks must be worn during the entire performance.