Walking into Windy City Playhouse, audiences are immediately transported to somewhere new. Scenic Designer Kevin Rofls fills the space with trees, branches, and flowers – drawing the audience into the story as soon as they enter the space. Lighting Designer Trey Brazeal highlights the room in a mix of various shades of blue, creating a somewhat hazy atmosphere. The shadows hit the tree branches and rocks just right, also providing an air of mystery. Audiences are immersed into a space of wonder.
The Winter’s Tale is about a number of things. There’s heartbreak and betrayal. There is jealousy and trickery. There’s reconciliation and forgiveness, as well as the test of time. Surrounding all of these storylines is one of magic and love – with an exploration of how the heart can bring us to do some dangerous, but also some beautiful things. The design team creatively collaborates to draw audiences into that enchanted world – a space where anything can happen. Particularly when combined with live music, you might just find yourself leaning in as you become absorbed in the dark romance.
Written by William Shakespeare, The Winter’s Tale follows King Leontes (Michael Stejskal). When he falsely accuses his wife, Hermione (Andrea Uppling) of having an affair with his best friend, King Polixenes (Raul Alonzo), a series of unfortunate events are spurred into action. Hermione is arrested, causing their young son, Mamillius (Jennifer Agather) to die due to distress. The King and Queen’s baby girl is stolen away for safety, and Hermione barely makes it through her trial. As with so many Shakespearean stories, all turns into chaos, and the remaining heroes are eventually left to pick up the pieces and see what may be worth saving.
Directed and adapted by Charles Askenaizer, the ensemble as a whole is quite strong. The Winter’s Tale is one of Shakespeare’s pieces that does not quite fit. There is love, but it is not technically a comedy. There is death, but it is not quite a tragedy. The story moves through the highs and lows of the genre and the actors bring that to life with ease – in particular, Uppling as Hermione and Stejskal as Leontes. Shakespeare does not make it easy for these performers – with a relationship that pulls a 180 within minutes as Leontes becomes lost in jealousy and rage. However, this duo approaches the emotional complexity with grace and certainly keeps the audiences on their toes – wondering what twist or turn may be thrown into the relationship next.
As much as The Winter’s Tale handles heavy matters of tragedy, the production also carries what some might find to be much needed moments of levity. Sam Nachison’s Autolycus is a prime example - appearing early in Act 2. Autolycus steals from an unsuspecting Clown (played by Kyle Quinlivan - with a sweet, unassuming innocence), and Nachison turns this into a game with the audience. With each piece of clothing Autolycus tricks the poor man into removing, or coin purse that the Clown unknowingly hands over – Nachison throws a little wink or gesture to the adoring crowd. His performance elicited uproars of laughter, and even cheers as the thief’s tactics became increasingly over-the-top.
With a stunning design and strong ensemble, The Winter’s Tale is a night of romance and wonder.
RECOMMENDED
Run Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes, with intermission.
The Winter’s Tale runs through April 20, 2025 at Windy City Playhouse – 3014 W. Irving Park Road. For tickets and information, see the Invictus Theatre website.
*This review is also featured on https://www.chicago-theater.com/!
