And Now For Something Completely Different

By Julienne Bilker in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 24, 2009 6:20PM

Looking for an unusual show? Allow us to direct you to Objects In Motion at The Building Stage, which explores the creation of theatrical pieces around/starring inanimate objects ranging from marionettes, hand puppets and 2D drawings to rubber balls, feather dusters and light bulbs. The festival is comprised of three programs including work from more than 20 Chicago artists - we caught the Intimate (“Toy Theater”) Program and Program B last weekend.

While we did have a good time, we have to say it was a bit much for one sitting. Although no piece is longer than 25 minutes, the B Program still clocked in at 2½ hours. It felt like more of a “throw it against the wall and see what sticks” experiment rather than a streamlined group of performances - some pieces work very well, and some ... don’t.

Our favorites of the evening were Thaddeus, featuring a beautifully constructed puppet as a boy who cannot speak (check out a clip here), Laika’s Coffin, a mini-opera about a puppy forced into the Russian space program (clip here), and an abridged Othello, performed by Greg Allen, an oreo, a glass of milk, and a candle. The latter two were special pieces performed last weekend only - next weekend’s special addition will be an excerpt from the Neo-Futurist production Beer, and closing weekend features The Blackbird, created and performed by Blair Thomas.

Although we haven't seen Program A, we’ve heard good things about a few of the pieces. Suite for Furby on Shofar in D Minor, by Sid Yiddish, features 12 Furbies brought to life through music, noise, and a ram’s horn shofar. Plasticene, one of Chicago’s more familiar performance art companies, performs Light Cycle, which explores how memories are pieced together. The special addition pieces are included in both Program A and B.

If you can’t decide which program to try, a 3-Show Pass is your best bet at $42 for the general public and $32 for students and seniors. Otherwise, tickets range from $8-$26 for the individual programs.

Objects In Motion at The Building Stage through April 4, 412 N Carpenter, 312-491-1369.