“The Snow Queen”

Recommended *** For many years, I went to Victory Gardens Theater for their annual holiday show, “The Snow Queen”. This is an enchanting story of faith, coming of age, sacrifice, friendship and most of all love. There are many versions of the story as many writers have adapted the epic work of Hans Christian Anderson.  The House Theatre is now unveiling their adaptation in their home at The Chopin Theatre. The adaptation is by Lanise Antoine Shelley and some of the alterations to the original may catch you off guard.

Some of the characters are non-binary. Gerda (Jackie Seijo ) is now Quin and River is many entities. Womoon ( played by the master of physical comedy/performance, Molly Brennan) represent “Mother Earth”. Ms. Brennan also plays Grandmother to perfection. The Snow Queen, Chione ( played to perfection by Vero Maynez) can be described as evil or good. In this version Kai ( Vincent Williams, who also plays Smith) instead of becoming sightless, falls into what appears to be a coma ( or death). Quin and Chione must resolve some issues in order to save him and we travel that route with them.

As in the powerful adaptations of the past, there are puppets in this production designed by Jesse Mooney-Bullock. They are amazing and worth goind to see this show for. The puppets are controlled by  Roxy Adviento,  Christine Mayland Perkins ( who also plays River and Wind) and Thomas Tong as the main puppet, Harpier, the White Raven. A note:  the puppets and part of the set are made from recycled materials. Also, for those who are into the puppets, there is a “Rumpus Room” segment on the House website where you can learn more.

The story is about love and friendship and more than anything not giving up. As we entered the theater (open seating) we were given a triangle that is mirrored on ne side. At the end of the play, each audience member is asked to go to the stage area and place theirs t complete the floor puzzle that is part of what they just witnessed. The Snow Queen, as it turns out is not as evil as one has been led to believe. This year, while this production is onstage, Chicago also has Disney’s “Frozen” in town. “Frozen” is also based on the Anderson story.

The music and sound are handled by Kevin ODonnell and Olanrewaju Adelowe and the lighting is by Trey Brazeal. The set is designed by Sully Ratke, who also did the costumes and the entire production directed by Amber Montgomery. There are projections (Liviu Pasare) that help bring it all together. There were a few spots where sight lines get fuzzy as the characters are on the floor and those seated in te upper seats cannot see them. They are sparse and due to the design of the space, understandable. Caitlin McCarthy handles the props.

“The Snow Queen” will continue thru January 3rd with performances as follows:

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sundays  3 p.m.

Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased by calling 773-278-1500 or online at www.thehousetheatre.com

NOTE: HOLIDAYS

No performance on Christmas or NEW YEAR

BUT 12/26 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and 12/30  3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Running time is 85 minutes no intermission

The House Theatre is in compliance with all Covid regulations. Masks are worn by audience for the entire show.

The Chopin Theatre is located at 1545 West Division ( between Ashland and Milwaukee Avenues) and there is plenty of metered parking in the area ( read the signs).

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