Review: Death and Harry Houdini (The House Theatre, 2016)

It's a rare show that really makes my job challenging, and Death and Harry Houdini falls squarely in that category. Not because it's bad; quite the opposite: as a production, it is (to paraphrase Mary Poppins) practically perfect in every way, and thus very difficult to put into words. I've had that reaction to past House Theatre productions - and come immediately to mind - but there's something about Death and Harry Houdini that's so special, so unforgettable, so (pardon the word choice) magical, that makes it especially challenging to review. I will do my best, but I can summarize the following in two words: just go.

As magic designer and star Dennis Watkins describes in the program note, Death and Harry Houdini was the House Theatre's very first production. The first incarnation of Death opened on Halloween of 2001, the 75th anniversary of the legendary magician and escape artist's death. The show has returned every few seasons since (most recently in 2013), with many of the original cast members including Watkins each time. The script has changed, new actors have come in and most significantly, the special effects and magic acts have increased as the House has grown in budget, venue and popularity. But Watkins, a third-generation magician who also performs a weekly show at the Palmer House Hilton, The Magic Parlour, believes that "people keep coming back to see this show because we all dream of conquering Death."

Indeed, conquering death was always on the real Houdini's mind. Having lost his father at a young age while living in Wisconsin, the boy born Erik Weiss (Watkins) keeps his remaining family members close. His brother Theo (Shawn Pfautsch) performs in his early acts and eventually times Houdini's escapes and builds his apparati. Houdini's mother Cecilia (Marika Mashburn, speaking a language of her own design) rules the roost like a queen into her old age. As Houdini's escape artistry grows more and more risky, his dancer wife Bess (Carolyn Defrin) and Theo grow more and more concerned. However, Harry keeps on, daring Death itself (Tommy Rapley), a menacing masked figure on stilts, to come closer and closer before Houdini makes off with his own life once again. How long can this madness continue?

Death and Harry Houdini is more than a theater piece with magic elements. To speak plainly, it's a work of art. Even in a more basic form, it's no wonder that this production introduced the House Theatre to the vibrant Chicago scene with distinction. Infused with live music, magic tricks, and increasingly gasp-inducing stunts, Death also packs an emotional punch. Houdini wasn't an easy person, constantly pursuing the next thrill, taunting Death with locks, handcuffs and submersion. But in his element, he was extraordinarily witty and charismatic (much of Nathan Allen's script uses the real Houdini's words), a showman as well as a magician, someone who understood each bit of darkness he chased.

As with all House productions, the effects are stellar, keeping theater newbies and veterans alike on the edge of their seats. Director Allen - he of the enthusiastic greeting that precedes many House performances - staged the show with almost mathematical precision and balletic grace, and Watkins' magic is engaging and flawless. The actors represent the city's best and brightest, committing to every syllable and movement with fierce dedication.

Death and Harry Houdini is a guaranteed visual feast, but at its core, the play is a journey into the mind of a genius. For every moment of vulnerability, there's an illusion; for every trick, there's a motivation, a feeling. Thankfully, the House Theatre of Chicago has grown by leaps and bounds since its 2001 premiere, and Death and Harry Houdini grows with each revival. The magic continues through summer. Just go.

Death and Harry Houdini continues through July 24th August 21st at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division (map), with performances Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays 4pm & 8pm. Tickets are $45-$59, and are available by phone (773-396-2875) or online at PrintTixUSA.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com ). More information at TheHouseTheatre.com. (Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes, includes an intermission)

Photos by Michael Brosilow

Carolyn Defrin (Bess), Tommy Rapley (Death, Hilmar, u/s Houdini, Theo), Johnny Arena (Ringmaster), Marika Mashburn (Cecilia), Shawn Pfautsch (Theo), Dennis Watkins (Harry Houdini), Julia Merchant, Rashaad Hall (ensemble), Abu Ansari, Kara Davidson , Benjamin Hertel, Shannon McEldowney, Kevin Stangler (understudies)

behind the scenes

Nathan Allen (director), Dennis Watkins (magic design), Collette Pollard (scenic design), (costume design), Ben Wilhelm (lighting design), Kevin O'Donnell (sound design, composer), Harrison Adams (sound design), Marika Mashburn (director of casting), Brian Desgranges (stage manager), Tommy Rapley (choreographer), Jesse Roth (assistant director), Jeremy Wilson (technical director), , Clare Roche (master electricians), Coco Ree Lemery (scenic charge), Amy Hilber (costume design), Jamie Karas (properties master), LaVisa Williams (wardrobe supervisor), Chris Walls (audio engineer), Kelly Claussen, Rachael Koplin, Veronica Bustoz, Amalie Vega (assistant stage managers), Michael Brosilow (photos)

Tags: 16-0528, Abu Ansari, Amalie Vega, Amy Hilber, Ben Wilhelm, Benjamin Hertel, Brian DesGranges, Carolyn Defrin, Chicago Theater, Chopin Theatre, Chris Walls, Clare Roche, Coco Ree Lemery, Collette Pollard, Dennis Watkins, Harrison Adams, Jamie Karas, Jeff Glass, Jeremy Wilson, Jesse Roth, Johnny Arena, Julia Merchant, Kara Davidson, Kelly Claussen, Kevin O'Donnell, Kevin Stangler, Lauren Whalen, LaVisa Williams, Lee Keenan, Marika Mashburn, Michael Brosilow, Nathan Allen, post, Rachael Koplin, Rashaad Hall, Shannon McEldowney, Shawn Pfautsch, The House Theatre, Tommy Rapley, Veronica Bustoz

Category: 2016 Reviews, Chopin Theatre, Extensions-Remounts, House Theatre, Lauren Whalen