Recommended
Is love like glass? Can you recognize and embrace love when you see it? This is a story about getting in touch with our better nature, rejecting a poor self-image, self-doubts, negative inner dialog and indeed the opinions of others based on their view of us.
Also, what are you willing to sacrifice to be the light in someone else’s life? Are you able to look past the superficial and artificial barriers that cause us to disregard and reject those who may be deserving of affection?
These themes are wrapped in a fantastical dramady written by Chicago-based playwright Reina Hardy and directed by City Lit Executive Artistic Director Brian Pastor.
Now on stage at City Lit Theater, “Glassheart” is a modern-day reimagining of the well-known tale of Beauty and the Beast.
Aiofe (Cailyn Murray) is a young woman from Michigan newly arrived in Chicago. She’s moved into an apartment managed by Elaine Carlson who, unbeknownst to her new tenant, happens to be a witch.
Aifo’s new neighbors are a cheerful woman about her own age living with a disagreeable, reclusive and unsightly brother.
In actuality, the brother or “the Beast” (Mark Pracht) is a European prince who has been put under a spell that has resulted in his overall repulsive countenance and behavior. The sister aka “Only” (Kat Evans) is in fact a former lamp that has been animated with human qualities to act as his servant and overall caregiver.
Only has taken it upon herself to move them to America in order to seek a fresh start in finding someone who might love the prince, thus freeing them both from the curse they are under.
City-Lit has assembled an all-star cast to introduce this Chicago Premier.
Mark Pracht’s beastly performance was perfectly sorrowful and requisitely aggressive providing much needed contrast in volume to the otherwise mostly conversational tone.
Kat Evans literally lights up the stage with her ebullient optimism and pleasing nature. Generally, I was not sure about the need for two short songs she sings, which seemed a bit out of place in this non-musical. But Evans’ angelic voice make the interludes more than worthwhile.
Cailyn Murray, new-to-Chicago having moved from Washington DC in 2023, is hereby invited to stay. Though I hope she has found, less eccentric lodgings.
Elaine Carlson as the witch was both humorous and menacing, think Aunt Clara (Bewitched) meets Rosemary’s Baby.
By the way this is not a child’s version of the popular tale.
“Glassheart” is a bit cerebral as it does not hit you over the head with its message. Indeed, I overheard two attendees saying, “I am not sure what it was all about” as they exited the theater. The other commented they were not certain of the name “Glassheart” and why it was not revealed until the end. I have my own thoughts on that, but it might be a criticism worth reflecting on as the writer and production team take notes.
This is essentially a one-set drawing room production, well written and well directed with solid performances by everyone.
Details: GLASSHEART at City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr, Chicago, now through February 23, 2025 (on the second floor accessible via elevator of the Edgewater Presbyterian Church). Running time: about 2 hours with one 10-minute intermission. Tickets available online at www.citylit.org or by phone at (773) 293-3682.
Reviewer: Reno Lovison
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