Witches, Wizards, Spells and Elves: The Magic of Shakespeare Review - An Enchanting Family Concert

The Chicago Shakespeare Theater Family programming is just that; family focused programming.  Whereas other family theater programming virtually ignores all family members over the age of twelve, CST offers entertainment that engages persons aged young to, ahem, older.  Witches, Wizards, Spells and Elves: The Magic of Shakespeare (directed by Matt Schwader and performed at Navy Pier’s Shakespeare Theater) serves as an excellent introduction to the world of Shakespeare.  At the same time, it is also wonderful entertainment.  I, my wife, and my eight year old daughter all were captivated by the clever pairing of the world class Chicago Chamber Musicians and actors from the critically acclaimed Chicago Shakespeare Theater. 

Witches, Wizards, Spells and Elves is composed by Bruce Adolphe and celebrates Shakespeare’s work by featuring short excerpts from Macbeth, A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and The Tempest.  Bruce Adolphe also narrates throughout the concert and does so in an engageable manner.  His ability to summarize plot points and introduce key characters went a long way in keeping a primarily young audience interested.  There was also something about the manner in which he spoke that drew in children and hushed the occasionally crying baby.  My daughter even went so far as to call his voice “magical.”

Each excerpt consisted of an actor (or actors) delivering a soliloquy or bit of dialogue with music complementing this performance.  The actor then walked off stage with the music filling his or her absence.   I found each musical piece captivating and performed effortlessly.  To me it was as if the music continued the conversation left behind by the actor.  Prior to the actor entering the stage, the audience was also told which instrument corresponded to which character.  For example, Puck (from A Midsummer’s Night Dream) was played by a clarinet (Larry Combs).  This narrative device helped audience members (children and adults) better visualize the artist’s intent.

All acting in Witches, Wizards, Spells and Elves was top notch.  As was true with every other aspect of the performance, the acting was accessible to children, but not in any way confined to their level of appreciation.  Audience members instead were treated to wonderfully conceived Shakespearian characters.  I especially enjoyed Penelope Walker, Charin Alvarez, and Susan Shunk as the witches from Macbeth.  There calculated and clear chants added a delightfully sinister feel to the performance.  James Vincent Merdith brought a dignified manner to Prospero and Steve Haggard made for a playful and physical Puck.  Eric Parks also did well in his portrayal of Mercutio with the character’s volatile nature seemingly contained just below the surface.  The brief time each actors spent on stage was consistent with the overall pacing of the concert and worked well for a family centered production.

Bottom Line:  Witches, Wizards, Spells and Elves is highly recommended for all persons aged five and older.  It should be noted that some children may find the initial scene involve the witches of Macbeth scary.  This should not keep anyone away, but it may be good to prepare children for this prior to the show beginning.  Parking is available at a reduce rate at Navy Pier (if validated by the theater).  For information related to future Chicago Shakespeare Theater productions, click on the following link:   http://www.chicagoshakes.com/main.taf?p=2,70

All photos provided by the Chicago Shakespeare Theater