Rose and the Rime House Theatre Chicago

EXTENDED! until 3/23/14

Live on Fox TV

Three Stars“..it is likable, poignant, gently involving.. full of inventive physical staging.. a family friendly show..you can enjoy this piece on several levels” Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune 1/29/14
"Fantastical, funny, suspenseful, and moving, it's athletic, passionate, whimsical, and visually inventive—a celebration of theater as a communal expression of living in the moment" - Albert Williams, Chicago Reader 1/29/14

"Must See" Show "..- Colin Douglas, CenterStage.com 1/28/14

Thu-Sat 8p; Sun 7p; Sat/Sun @ 3p. Tix $25-45. 773.769.3832

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Special Groups tix 773-278-1500:

3/1, 3p - Polish Museum of America Benefit


01/07/14 - 03/23/14

Thu-Sat 8p; Matinees 3p Sat and Sun; Some Sundays 7p


Amid bewitched weather, here comes the sun at House - Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune 1/29/14.“If this hellish Chicago January proves to be a harbinger of horrors to come, all the theaters around town will all be jumping on to a growing sub-genre that has borne much artistic fruit these last two or three years — the winter show that offers a sensual dose of summer.


The Hypocrites were one of the savvy instigators; their hit "Pirates of Penzance" re-imagined the song stylings of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan as if performed at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. One entered from the cold and was delighted to find heat lamps, beach balls and little swimming pools. That Sean Graney-directed show, as well as the Hypocrites' follow-up with "The Mikado," popped into my head as I watched the best scene of "Rose and the Rime" last weekend at the House Theatre, where the ever-enthusiastic cast members, dazzled by the warm rays of a long-absent sun, divested themselves of almost all their clothes with an enthusiasm that reminded me of what I'd do, to the embarrassment of all, if a plane opened its door in Miami this weekend, and I happened, oh please God, to be in a seat.

 

The story of this family-friendly show, which I last reviewed during its premiere production in 2009, has a narrative root in "The Snow Queen," which, at this point in our cultural history, means it will remind a lot of people of the animated Disney hit "Frozen." The plot of the original House show involves the small town of Radio Falls, Mich., which has been beset by snow and ice following the implementation of a witch's curse.

 

"Once the sun sets," says one character to knowing murmurs from the audience, "it's not a game out there."

 

We need no convincing there. One other question asked in the show ("Why does the sun not warm the air?") also felt very much of the real moment. From my perch, I could see a few kids turning their heads toward their parents' bemused, shaking noggins. Perchance the curse of a witch might explain the weather in Chicago these last couple of weeks. What else do you have in mind? Anyway, back in the realm of the imagination, a young woman of Radio Falls (played by Paige Collins) sets about trying to find this witch and reverse the curse, which does not entirely go as she expects (this is not a show with a Disney ending), but does at least produce a sunny respite from the communal shivers.

 

"Rose and the Rime" is written by the A-list House team of Nathan Allen (who also directs), Chris Mathews and Jake Minton, and it is a likable, poignant, gently involving show, notably improved from the first version and full of inventive physical staging from Tommy Rapley. A few whimsical songs from Kevin O'Donnell aside, "Rose and the Rime" does not have the Broadway-quality score of "Frozen," nor the narrative wit, but it's worth remembering for families that "Frozen" pretty much does everything for you — you're just there to receive and admire — whereas "Rose and the Rime" involves the audience explicitly in its storytelling. It's best for older kids (and adults), although there were some very young kids there on Sunday, playing in the snow-flakes, chatting back to the very game actors, and having a blast. You can enjoy this piece on several levels.

 

There is still some air in the story — warm air, at least — and there are a few moments when everything just feels a tad over-pushed. "Rose and the Rime" still needs more writing, frankly, especially in the middle of the one-act piece, when the narrative tension seems to dissipate. The story does return, though, and deepen.

 

Some of the ensemble (the likes of Kara Davidson, Brandon Markell Holmes and Christine Maryland Perkins) are enormously empathetic in their characters. And Michael E. Smith, who plays the curious girl's uncle and parental figure, beautifully shoulders the emotional trajectory of the show, beautifully designed by Collette Pollard. And although it comes with some darkness, and snow, "Rose and the Rime" has a great spirit of community engagement. We'll get through it, it wants to say. But winter will return.

In April, House is taking the show to Florida. Hmm.”

 

Rose and The Rime – Albert Williams, Chicago Reader 1/29/14. “The House Theatre of Chicago's "modern myth for the Middle West" is first-rate family entertainment, perfect for the winter season. Fantastical, funny, suspenseful, and moving, it's athletic, passionate, whimsical, and visually inventive—a celebration of theater as a communal expression of living in the moment. The clever script (by director Nathan Allen with Chris Mathews and Jake Minton) puts a modern spin on the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen and speaks eloquently to both children and adults. A young girl, Rose (the wonderful Paige Collins), treks northward from snowbound Radio Falls, Michigan, to reclaim a magic coin from a witch—a coin that can summon the sun and end the permanent freeze that has paralyzed Rose's hometown. But it's the imaginative scenic and aural design and tight-knit ensemble that make this remount of House's 2009 hit so see-worthy”.

 

Rose and the Rime – Colin Douglas, CenterStage.com 1/28/14 - “Developed at Hope College, one of this theatre company’s most popular original scripts springs to life once again in this new, re-imagined production. Combining storytelling, visual marvels, music, puppetry, choreographed movement, gymnastics and electrifying aerial work a ten-member ensemble of actors spins this 85-minute fantasy that’s part fable, part cautionary tale. Told through the eyes of Rose, orphaned and living with her uncle in the small lake town of Radio Falls, we learn that years ago a witch killed her parents, stole a magic coin and cursed the village with never-ending winter. Rose sets out to find the witch and to break this curse.


This riff on “The Snow Queen” is filled with unexpected plot twists, drama and humor, but it’s the breathtaking production that truly stands out. A perfect family show (despite some frightening moments), the combination of impressive technical elements, together with strong acting and ensemble work is this company’s trademark. The audience enters to an eternal snow storm that continues throughout most of the play. A blinding blizzard erupts, bunnies pop out of nowhere and a ferocious wolf pack roams the forest. Rose literally flies across the winterscape on her sled, thanks to the ensemble’s strong support. When Rose finally encounters the witch (a terrifying Ericka Ratcliff), she flies high above the young girl and threatens to swallow her. But as in many fables this story is cyclical and greed and cruelty become their own reward.

Nathan Allan keeps a tight rein on this production, filling it with more eye-popping spectacle than Cirque du Soleil. Paige Collins as Rose grows from young innocent to knowing adult through this story. Michael E. Smith is sincerely caring as Uncle Roger and Brandon Markell Holmes makes a lovable Jimmy; but it’s the dynamics of the entire ensemble and the show’s technical elements that promises a not-to-be-missed experience”


From House Theater - Radio Falls, Michigan, has been trapped in perpetual winter for a generation, and the constant blizzard surrounding the town means there’s no way in or out. It is up to our young heroine named Rose to save Radio Falls from the vicious curse of the Rime Witch. But when she succeeds, Radio Falls discovers the witch’s magic coin has two sides. This modern version of The House’s favorite, original myth is a reminder that anything powerful enough to fulfill your dreams is powerful enough to destroy them.

Author
Chris Matthews, Jake Minton and Nathan Allen

Director
Nathan Allen

Performers
Paige Collins; Kara Davidson; Brandon Markell Holmes; Sam Guinan-Nyhart; Christine Mayland Perkins; Ericka Ratcliff; Michael E. Smith; Jeremy Sonkin; Dan Toot; Tamara White

Production
Collette Pollard (Scenic and Properties Designer); Lee Keenan (Lighting Designer); Melissa Torchia (Costume Designer); Joshua Horvath (Sound Designer); Tommy Rapley (Choreographer); Kevin O'Donnell (Composer); Joey Stone (Associate Choreographer); Kelly claussen (Stage Manager)

Tags: Theater, American, 2014