By definition, all theater is some sort of cosplay, and by golly
does this stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s 1996 BBC Two series and
subsequent novelization lean into the LARP-iest version of it. Ilesa
Duncan’s adventurous revival of Robert Kauzlaric’s play (originally
directed for Lifeline by Paul S. Holmquist in 2010) showcases both the
merits and drawbacks of fantasy onstage—but it’s inarguably one hell of a
visual trip.
A moderately successful and majorly bored office drone (Jose Nateras)
upends his whole universe when he crosses paths with a magical being
(Samantha Newcomb) on the run from a pair of wisecracking interdimensional
bogeymen (John Henry Roberts, LaQuin Groves). Teaming up with a warrior
(Aneisa Hicks), a hustler (Matthew Singleton), and a rat whisperer
(Michaela Petro), they set out on a subterranean Wizard of Oz
-style journey beneath London’s streets where finding a path home involves
battles with giant bores and alliances with pigeons.
The timing of the remount seems apropos enough—thanks to the advent of
streaming services, Gaiman’s once-niche brand of heady, allegorical sci-fi
fantasy British Invasion noir is the stuff of many different popular
series, including Gaiman’s own American Gods. I wonder, though, if
all of the video game-ish chasing down of keys and jewelry boxes and
magical whatsits works better in serialized form than crammed into two and
a half hours.
The material itself likely resonates better with younger audiences, but
even grown-ups will appreciate Alan Donahue’s scenic and properties
design-an elaborate labyrinth of kaleidoscoping, whooshing doors
and architectural fragments—and Mike Oleon’s personality-rich menagerie of
puppets. v
Through 7/15: Thu-Fri 7:30 PM, Sat 4 and 8 PM, Sun 4 PM, Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood, 773-761-4477, lifelinetheatre.com, $40, $30 seniors, $20 students.
