Review: Lookingglass Theatre Company's TREASURE ISLAND Charts an Imaginative Course on the Stage

In Lookingglass Theatre Company's TREASURE ISLAND, young protagonist Jim Hawkins sails across the stage on Todd Rosenthal's cleverly crafted and all-encompassing Hispaniola. But instead of being propelled by a body of water below him, Jim stands centerstage as the show's ensemble of actors use manual force to, quite literally, rock the boat. These inventive, playful moments characterize Zimmerman's world-premiere production (a co-production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre). Much like the adventurous and curious mentality of young Jim, this TREASURE ISLAND draws on the power of imagination to take audiences on a narrative journey.

TREASURE ISLAND introduces us to Jim Hawkins (John Francis Babbo), who lives at an English inn with his mother (Kasey Foster). Adventure finds Jim when sea captain Billy Bones (Christopher Donahue) stumbles upon the inn one day with a mysterious chest. Jim and Billy form a fast camaraderie. A sinister blind man soon comes to mark Billy with the ominous Black Spot, though he does not live long enough to fulfill its mission. Thus it falls to Jim to set sail and search for the buried treasure indicated on the map in Billy's precious chest. Jim rallies his elders -- Captain Smollett, Squire Trelawney, and Dr. Livesey--to join him on the journey. But the Squire ends up bringing along a rather strange crew -- led by the infamous, one-legged Long John Silver. Swashbuckling adventure follows.

With TREASURE ISLAND, audiences are immersed in the seaworthy atmosphere of late eighteenth century England. The incorporation of music and live instruments set the tone for the show, adding a sense of celebration during the show's exciting, triumphant moments -- and adding eeriness when the situation grows more dire. As part of this unique musical atmosphere, Foster's glorious voice adds dimension and delight.

TREASURE ISLAND truly shines in the hands of the capable cast, who are without doubt the most compelling reason to visit this production. Zimmerman has assembled a delightfully ragtag yet unified ensemble for this show, who are game for all the production throws at them. As Jim, John Francis Babbo charmingly and capably carries the show. Though he is young, Babbo knows how to command a stage and maintains a believable British accent throughout. Babbo's Jim comes across as sweet and amusing, but with a decided taste for adventure and a bit of danger. He seems to delight especially in the moments where he directly addresses the audience -- a creative touch in Zimmerman's script. TREASURE ISLAND would, of course, not succeed however without an equally compelling (and evil) Long John Silver. In Lawrence DiStasi, Zimmerman has undoubtedly found him. DiStasi gives a pitch perfect and deliciously sinister performance, reveling in his character's unrelenting nature. DiStasi's physicality also adds to his portrayal of the role -- he makes us believe that he only has one operational leg but also carries himself with the commanding air of a villainous captain.

The rest of the cast proves equally seaworthy. Foster doubles as a bearded pirate and the voice of Long John Silver's parrot - a feathered puppet that occasionally rests on DiStasi's shoulder (a very nice touch). Steve Pickering provides amble humor as the marooned pirate Ben Gunn, who longs for nothing more than a piece of cheese after three years of isolation. All members of the cast prove in tip-top shape.

In addition to Todd Rosenthal's imaginative set, the other production elements add to TREASURE ISLAND's adventurous setting. Ana Kuzmanic's costumes are period perfect, emphasizing the opulent tradition of the era and also the scruffy attire that any pirate worth his salt would wear. In particular, Billy Bone's patched up coat and each of Long John Silver's decadent yet decrepit outfits really do the trick.

The only rub in Zimmerman's seafaring tale lies in the pacing. The second act feels as if it could use a little tightening-perhaps a bit less dialogue and a bit more action. And overall, I wished for some more swashbuckling sword fights and physical antics in a story that invites so much action.

The cast of TREASURE ISLAND shines bright as gold and Zimmerman's playful, metaphorical production nicely dramatizes Robert Louis Stevenson's text. As the boat sways across the stage with the force of the performers, so too does the cast carry this production -- and the real treasure here is watching them take the journey as Zimmerman has laid it out.

TREASURE ISLAND plays through January 31, 2016 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, 821 N. Michigan Ave. Tickets are $55-$85. LookingglassTheatre.org or 312-337-0665.

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