Lookingglass Theatre's Hephaestus: Pretty Damn Cool
By Julienne Bilker in Arts & Entertainment on May 27, 2010 8:20PM
We were entirely unfamiliar with the story of Hephaestus before checking out Lookingglass Theatre's adaptation at Goodman's Owen Theatre, and we suspect the several audience members under the age of ten didn't either - which didn't stop any of us from having a swell time.
Hephaestus, created by Tony Hernandez with story and direction by Hernandez and Heidi Stillman, is decidedly a circus show with a story, as opposed to a play with circus acts - although there is a definite cheese factor to the storytelling and some of the songs, there is more than enough awesome to make up for it. There's aerial acrobatics, humor, insane feats of strength, brother-tossing (check out this Tribune article for edification) wicked drumming on the biggest drum we've ever seen, contortionism, a great set (designed by Brian Sidney Bembridge), plenty of moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and at least one that gave us minor heart palpitations (that would be the seven-person high wire pyramid sans net). We'd go on, but in this case, we think the pictures speak for themselves.
Hephaestus: A Greek Mythology Circus Tale has been extended through June 20. Lookingglass Theatre Company at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. Tickets $25-$75 (half-price tickets and $10 student tickets available day-of, in person). 312-443-3800.