The Houdini Box Review - The Magic of Family Theater

“Magical,” although over used, is perfectly applicable to the Chicago Children’s Theater production of The Houdini Box.  Other adjectives also come to mind (sweet and tender are a distant second and third), but I think magical is the best descriptor for the stage production of Brian Selznick’s first ever published story.  No other word can better describe the richness and beauty accomplished in Blair Thomas’ telling of a boy’s dreamtime pursuit.  Early in the play, the Barker (Derek Hasenstab) asks the audience to prepare for “the end of ordinary.”  The Houdini Box deftly accomplishes this. 

In The Houdini Box, Alex Weisman stars as Victor, a boy who dreams of some day being an accomplished escape artist like Harry Houdini.  To the exasperation of his mother (Sara Sevigny), Victor practices day and night.  Occasionally this leads to Victor having to be rescued from a locked trunk.  A chance meeting on a train platform, however, has the potential to greatly ease Victor’s transformation into a master magician.  Before that can happen, however, Victor will have his faith tested and, ultimately, restored.  To me the major theme of The Houdini Box is ones pursuit of a dream and the possible late resurgence of this effort.  Children, as my eight year old daughter was, will be immediately swept into the entertaining story.  They will laugh frequently, but they also will walk away with a great story that they can discuss with their family on the way home.

Alex Weisman is believable as the energetic boy who suffers some disappointment toward the end of the story.  His late recovery of that creative spark makes for wonderful theater.  Derek Hasenstab also puts forth a superb performance both as the Barker, who is part narrator and part tempest to Victor, as well as other un-credited roles including that of a matronly aunt and the great escape artist himself.  Sara Sevigny makes a great no-nonsense mom with a dry sense of humor.  

What sets The Houdini Box apart from other productions is the beautiful set design and puppetry.  Often operating like a three ring circus, the actors take center stage and the puppets play in the outer corners.  This puppetry is executed flawlessly and never appears gimmicky.  Rather it advances the story and relates experiences in a way that human actors cannot.  As a whole, I found the music wonderful to the play, but not particularly catchy or memorable.   All lyrics (as well as the play adaptation itself) were created by Hannah Kohl.  Mark Messing, who is credited in the press release as being the Music Director of the “circus punk marching band” Mucca Pazza, complements the story effortlessly with the occasional accordion as well as cymbals, drums, and other fun musical instruments.

In general, I felt the play operated like a well developed magic trick where no one part would quite work without the others.  I found myself enchanted throughout the play and genuinely moved with the ending.  Adding to the magic of opening night was a gracious appearance by Brian Selznick who gave an Oscar practicing speech (the movie adaptation of his book The Invention of Hugo Cabret is up for several Oscar nominations).  Brett Schneider (Magic Designer for the play) then took the stage and performed several magic tricks.  He also discussed the history behind some of the illusions in the play.  After the performance, Brian Selznick signed books in the lobby and made conversation with every child within earshot. 

Bottom line:  The Houdini Box is highly recommended.  It should be noted that each Friday in February Brett Schneider is scheduled to perform magic tricks at the completion of the play.  For more information, click here:     http://mercurytheaterchicago.com/ 

Photos by:  Michael Brosilow