A Shadow Bright and Burning
A World Premiere Adaptation
from the fantasy novel of the same name by Jessica Cluess
“The show has strong world-building and creative visuals…Rutherford’s script does a fine job of establishing Henrietta’s world…it’s an entertaining dive into a moody version of Victorian London that will appeal to fans of historical fantasy and coming-of-age-stories.”
-Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune
“It’s fun to see the glosses and riffs inspired by 19th-century British literature…The design elements…have a delightful tactile and low-budget appeal…Rutherford, whose company’s mission is to help ‘magic invade reality,’ has always understood how to bring a wink-and-a-nod gothic theatricality to the stories Black Button Eyes brings onstage.”
-Kerry Reid, Chicago Reader
”Andaleon is excellent throughout…Set, props designer/technical director Jeremiah Barr clearly had a field day creating the tentacles—because of course Lovecraftian horrors have tentacles—that eventually fill the stage, not to mention all of the other wonderful bespoke props that, along with Liz Cooper’s lights and Isaac Mandel’s sound, help create the magical effects.”
-Karen Topham, Chicago On Stage
”Griffin’s Agrippa is a commanding presence….Darren Jones is equally wonderful…Kat Evans gives a funny and scary performance…Alex is good as Henrietta’s love interest Rook. Overall, I like this play and recommend it for a fun time.”
-Kathy D. Hey, Third Coast Review
“The production is quite good…Andaleon is cast well in her role- her acting is solid and engaging…the acting among all is greatl…lots of elements in this fantasy are exceedingly well done, and the stage effects (simulating fire and water, etc.) are especially clever and amusing.”
-Julia Rath, Around the Town Chicago