By Ed Lowe
Senior Writer
Allegory, fantasy and whimsy define Lookingglass Theater's newest production at the Water Tower Water Works on the Magnificent Mile. This play, a contemporary adaptation of a play by 19th century Polish traveler Jan Potocki, was adapted and directed by Lookingglass ensemble member Christine Mary Dunford.
In keeping with Lookingglass' programming of "theater without a net," "Manuscript Found in Saragossa" is another world premier production. As with its "Lookingglass Alice," and the most recent "Hephestus," this presentation pushes the envelope for its audiences. The story follows a young Walloon nobleman, Alphonse van Worden, played by Lookingglass founding member Lawrence E. Distasi. He is sent by his father from Belgium into the service of the Spanish King where he is to become a member of the Royal Guard. His travels to Madrid take him through the mysterious Sierra Morena mountains in 1739.
With his aide/ valet/ protector Pacheco (played with amazing vitality by Anthony Fleming III), the young and ingenuous van Worden encounters a range of thieves, cabalists, gypsies and Muslims in hiding from the Spanish Inquisition. He is forced to confront his own moral values as well as his religious training, his aristocratic upbringing, his sexuality, and ultimately his need to create his own modus vivendi. Van Worden is surrounded by an able supporting cast which includes Eva Barr as the Wandering Jew, Raymond Fox as Velasquez, and Tara Franklin as Rebecca. This sometimes murky play allows van Worden to mature during the course of his 66 days in the forest.
The play is helped immeasurably by Scott Neale's scenic designs, Jaymi Lee Smith's lighting and Andre Pleuss' sound design. There are some problems with the production—its first act could probably be shortened by 15 minutes to give a more consistent flow to the action which picks up markedly in the second half of the show. In time, the script will probably be honed to a more manageable form than the 2 hour and 20 minute length now being presented.
But, taken in total as a piece of performing art, this is well worth seeing by anyone interested in experimental and serious drama. Lookingglass should be applauded for its willingness to invest in a production of this caliber addressed to a North Michigan Avenue audience.
The performances will run through Dec. 11. Tickets ($20-$58)are available at the Box Office at (312) 337-0665 or www.lookingglasstheater.org. The theater is located at 821 N. Michigan Ave. |
