Carnival Nocturne - Come See the Best Show on Earth, if you dare...

            Alright, it might not be the best show on earth, but Carnival Nocturne is a wonderful production and you only have a week left to check it out.  The Silent Theatre Company, in association with the Chicago DCA Theater, presents the world premiere of Carnival Nocturne now through December 20, 2009.  The production is directed by Silent Theatre Company Artistic Director Tonika Todorova.  Carnival Nocturne welcomes its visitors into the mystical world of a traveling carnival.  In the midst of a world of Tim Burton-esque freaks, including Strong Men, Fortune Tellers and Siamese twins climbing the silks, a dark secret lays - a curse that binds and perhaps dooms them all. 

            This was by far one of the more interesting pieces of theatre I've seen all season. Kudos should be given first to the Chicago DCA for shining the light on small unknown theatres doing relevant work in the city. In my humble opinion, their brightest spotlight deservedly should be shown on the Silent Theatre Company.   Special credit should be given to Artistic Director, Tonika Todorova and Writer, Gillian Hastings, for conceiving one of the more inspired pieces of theatre I've seen this year. The cast of Carnival Nocturne deserves note as well for striking a fascinating line between the artistry of mime and shear athleticism, while recreating the story of a young girl (Kyla Webb) and the trouble that befalls her as she crosses paths with the carnival.  (Did I mention those Siamese twins a good 20 feet off the ground without a net?)          

Carnival Nocturne will be packing up its nightmarish menagerie of freaks in a week. So, catch it before it is gone.  For information about the Silent Theatre Comapany's Carnival Nocturne and the Chicago DCA Theatre, call 312-742-TIXS or visit www.dcatheater.org.  For more information about the Silent Theatre Company, check them out at www.silenttheatre.com.