ROSE and THE RIME – The House Theatre of Chicago
By: Nathan Allen, Chris Mathews, and Jake Minton
Direction by: Nathan Allen
MAGICAL MOMENTS BOTH DARK AND DELIGHTFUL
“Rose and the Rime” takes place in the cold frozen town of Radio Falls, but charming white bunnies pop up to accompany the magical romp thru the inhabitants lives. This kaleidoscopic
play will surprise and challenge those, who think they know what will happens next. “Rose and the Rime” offers that silly fun you enjoy, but you are not completely sure why.
Our heroine, Rose, searches for the Rime Witch to help Radio Falls residents resume their normal lives. At five, I hid my eyes when I saw the Wicket Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz movie. Ericka Ratcliff’s dark witch frightened me so, that I wanted to jump under my seat! What a vision! And this is The House’s strength. They construct so many awesome atmospheric scenes via actors, costumes, props, lighting, special effects and music that you marvel at such fresh creativity. Wolves howled dreadfully in the cold snowy forest, and I had to reach for my scarf; but the brighter scenes made me giggle or outright laugh and feel warm. I wondered if The House played with the thermostat?
The ensemble cast amazes in their many costume and scene changes, and Paige Collins seems perfect in her exuberant portrayal of Rose. With the superb quality in this show, a little less screaming from everyone in intensity and length, might enhance the dramatic effects, but I will admit this is my bias. Others may not agree.
Originally developed at Hope College in 2008, “Rose and the Rime” won the honor of playing the Kennedy Center as Best Original Work in the KCACTF festival. “Rose and the Rime” will transfer to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Date County beginning April 23, 2014 for a five-week run.
“The House is Chicago’s premier home for original works of physical and spectacle storytelling”. Founded in 2001 to explore connections between Community and Storytelling through a unique theatrical experience, it lives up to its goals. If you have not become a completely serious adult by saving just a little of your childhood in your back packet, you will find “Rose and the Rime” magical entertainment with some underlying reality to ponder.
RECOMMENDED
Margaret Eva
Date reviewed: January 26 2014
Performances at: Chopin Theatre
1543 W. Division St.
Chicago, Il
Performances: January 17, 2014 – March 9, 2014
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday at 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 7:00 p.m.
Regular Run Tickets are $20-$40 (Same day Students & Industry $10).
Children 6 and older welcome
.
Tickets available at www.thehousetheatre.com, or call (773) 769.3832.