Here’s a li’l true story for you:
Last Friday night I was feeling burned out, stressed, and a more than a little achy from a recent incident whereupon I dislocated two ribs. (Long, wholly different story.) I had been slated to see the return of Lookingglass Theatre Company’s The Steadfast Tin Soldier that evening with my boy, my youngest, and even though I knew it would be a wonderful time…I was tired on a primal level.
By the time we walked through the doors of downtown’s historic Water Tower Water Works, my mood had perked considerably. (It’s an absolutely gorgeous venue and, well, my tiny date was wearing a tie.) Even before the lights dimmed in the theatre, I knew that we were in for something special; audiences were greeted by whimsical characters opening gigantic advent calendar windows onstage, each window showcasing an image that would be important in the story to come.
The Steadfast Tin Soldier…
…For all intents and purposes, is a wordless tale. That’s not to say it doesn’t speak volumes about the innocence (and powerlessness) of being small, the joy of connection, and the eternal nature of love, however. The soldier (Alex Stein) is incredibly easy to root for as he overcomes great odds in his quest to win- and find his way back to- his ballerina love (an elegant Kasey Foster). The story unfolds beautifully with the help of exceptionally cool puppetry, dancers at the height of their craft, and even a bewigged orchestra, the latter of whom takes an occasional comedic turn in furthering the plot.
Photo credit: Liz Lauren
Showcasing ensemble member Mary Zimmerman’s brand of extravagant spectacle, this is a holiday show to be sure, but other than the backdrop of a tree, scattered presents, and the aforementioned advent calendar, this is a really a timeless (and date-less) winter production about classic toys bravely doing big things. And hoo boy, the way Zimmerman and crew know how to play with scale! The night we attended, the audience was comprised of ages from 3 to roughly 93- and every single ticket-holder gasped at the reveals and stagecraft.
As we were leaving the space, it was my five year-old date who summed up The Steadfast Tin Soldier best: “You said this was a theatre show, but it’s actually a magic one.”
I held his hand a little tighter and nodded my agreement. This is a magic show.
And I was so grateful.
***
If you go:
Runs roughly one hour with no intermission
Through January 26th, 2020 at Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
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