REVIEW: Otherworld Theatre's REALM OF THE NUTCRACKER KING; An Immersive Holiday Fairytale

 ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List

REALM OF THE NUTCRACKER KING; 

An Immersive Holiday Fairytale 

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Last night my son and I journeyed to the enchanted Realm of the Nutcracker King twenty years after Clara's infamous visit, recounted ad nauseam every holiday season. This is not your typical Nutcracker. In Otherworld's original, there is political upheaval, treachery, deceit, audience participation, a group dance, tasty treats, and plenty of laughs. And rats. There are still rats. 

You'll meet the Nutcracker Prince, ageless in the magic realm, and Clara, though 20 years older, wiser, and now working as a nutcracker maker in her home shop. The Sugarplum Fairy also plays a major part in this plot, but she's not quite as sweet as she used to be. You'll also meet quite a few new characters including a couple adorable and energetic puppets. 

Our group was a mix of tweens through adults and all were captivated throughout the adventure. On the plus side, the costumes were fun, and this version stands out as unique in a market oversaturated with the original plot line. The audience was given holiday hats to keep and little lanterns to borrow, and the ticket price included light snacks and a drink, which was great. The improv elements were also enjoyable and professional. Unfortunately, this production was not one of our favorites compared with several excellent past originals we've reviewed at Otherworld. 

Despite the name, REALM OF THE NUTCRACKER KING; An Immersive Holiday Fairytale, this production was less participatory than most Otherworld shows. This one only takes place in the main theatre space rather than traveling from room to room, and there were no clues, puzzles, or mysteries to work out or collective audience actions aside from one group dance and an ask for a few jokes.

In most immersive theatre the audience is a key part of the plot and action, but in this show the audience spent most of the time watching the characters so actions that could have been delegated. A simple switch to the audience finding the key parts, holding them, and assembling the finished key would have helped fix that flaw. There were also missed opportunities, like lighting the rat appearance off stage at the start of the show, and making it more of a scene.

There were also some puppetry issues. One puppeteer was excellent, but the other starred blankly into space while talking for their puppet, instead of giving focus where it should have been, squarely on the puppet. REALM OF THE NUTCRACKER KING; An Immersive Holiday Fairytale is somewhat recommended.

That said, we adore Otherworld's unique space and generally love their original shows. You'll find more of a collision of pop culture favorites lining the walls and on stage here than just about anywhere outside of major Comic Cons. 

We'll be back out to review Otherworld's Star Trek serial parody, Starship Edsel late night show tonight, which we're quite excited about, and my son will be reviewing Tales From The Wandering Wyvern Inn January 22nd for ChiILLiveShows.com. 

Check out more about Otherworld's upcoming shows HERE. 

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, videographer, actress, artist and Mama. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

Based on the Christmas fairy tale by Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffman, you are the Nutcracker King’s esteemed guest and invited to sample from the Realm’s finest delights with a variety of beverages and delectable treats. However, be on the lookout for the Rat King! Who knows what nefarious plot they may be planning. Filled with character actors, puppetry, and dancing, REALM OF THE NUTCRACKER KING; An Immersive Holiday Fairytale runs December 16, 2022 - January 8, 2023 at Otherworld Theatre (3914 N. Clark St.).

Come along a 90-minute journey and step into the enchanted Realm of the Nutcracker King. This theatrical adventure is brought to life by the imagineering team behind Otherworld Theatre, the premier Science Fiction and Fantasy venue based in Chicago. 

You're invited as the Nutcracker King's esteemed guest, a specially selected mortal whose imagination is big enough to dream the imaginative world of the sugar plum fairies. You'll be invited to sample from the Realm's finest delights in a variety of beverages and delectable treats. 

Join us for a theatrical, immersive experience that will take you into a world of holiday magic!

ACROSS 90s MINUTES YOU WILL

• Enjoy a themed beverage, cocktails and mocktails abound!

• Participate in immersive storytelling, character actors, puppetry and dancing

• Undermine the sinister plot of The Rat King

• Capture photos with the actors and immersive environment

Showtimes available: Fridays at 7 and 9 p.m., Saturdays at 3, 5:30, and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 and 4:30 p.m.

For more information, visit https://www.otherworldtheatre.org.

Now Playing Through January 8, 2023

Chicago's Otherworld Theatre Brings Interactive Fun to a Holiday Classic, a One Shot LARP Original, and a Star Trek Inspired Farce

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List

REALM OF THE NUTCRACKER KING; 

An Immersive Holiday Fairytale, 

Tales From The Wandering Wyvern Inn, and 

Starship Edsel 

REALM OF THE NUTCRACKER KING 

An Immersive Holiday Fairytale 

Based on the Christmas fairy tale by Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffman, you are the Nutcracker King’s esteemed guest and invited to sample from the Realm’s finest delights with a variety of beverages and delectable treats. However, be on the lookout for the Rat King! Who knows what nefarious plot they may be planning. Filled with character actors, puppetry, and dancing, REALM OF THE NUTCRACKER KING; An Immersive Holiday Fairytale runs December 16, 2022 - January 8, 2023 at Otherworld Theatre (3914 N. Clark St.).

Come along a 90-minute journey and step into the enchanted Realm of the Nutcracker King. This theatrical adventure is brought to life by the imagineering team behind Otherworld Theatre, the premier Science Fiction and Fantasy venue based in Chicago. 

You're invited as the Nutcracker King's esteemed guest, a specially selected mortal whose imagination is big enough to dream the imaginative world of the sugar plum fairies. You'll be invited to sample from the Realm's finest delights in a variety of beverages and delectable treats. 

Join us for a theatrical, immersive experience that will take you into a world of holiday magic!

ACROSS 90s MINUTES YOU WILL

• Enjoy a themed beverage, cocktails and mocktails abound!

• Participate in immersive storytelling, character actors, puppetry and dancing

• Undermine the sinister plot of The Rat King

• Capture photos with the actors and immersive environment

Showtimes available: Fridays at 7 and 9 p.m., Saturdays at 3, 5:30, and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 and 4:30 p.m.

For more information, visit https://www.otherworldtheatre.org.

Now Playing Through January 8, 2023

Tales From The Wandering Wyvern Inn

Rumors abound about the quaint tavern, nestled quietly at the foothills of the Alden's Gate Mountains. It is the first stop for many who make the pilgrimage up to Heightswatch. The tavern itself seems unassuming - without the smoke stack you might even miss the structure. However, at night, there is no mistaking the glow from a single orb that beckons travelers to it's doors. As you approach, you see the famed Wyvern himself to greet you, holding his magical sphere and whispering through the winter wind that you should come inside for at least the night.

WELCOME TO AMELOR

From the critically acclaimed creators of immersive experiences and Moonrise LARP Games comes a 90 minute high fantasy adventure. Transport yourself to the lowly tavern of The Wandering Wyvern Inn and uncover the mysteries that lie within. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

• A hybrid between LARP, Escape Room, and Immersive Theatre

• Grab a quest off the wall - an adventure awaits! Be an mage outlaw, a Strykarrian assassin on the job, a Druid on a quest to find the life saving antidote for your feverish friend - and more! The Quest Board changes daily.

• Walk into a full realized fantasy setting. Explore the tavern of the Wandering Wyvern Inn

• Actors lead you on your quest! NPCs are in the room with you and your adventuring party throughout your experience.

• Fantasy dress up is strongly encouraged!

• An intimate experience of no more than 5 Players at one time.

• A mystery unfolds over the course of 90 minutes

• A tasty beverage is included in your ticket! From cocktails, mocktails, and ale - we have something for every adventurer to enjoy!

Expect a brief onboarding to go over rules and consent mechanics before the experience begins.

DON'T BE LATE! Due to the nature of this experience, we cannot accept late patrons as it disturbs the actors and patrons. We ask you arrive 10 minutes before your time slot. Due to the nature of the event, there are no refunds.

Now playing through Jan 29, 2023

Starship Edsel 

Starship Edsel is a Star Trek inspired farce set aboard the Federation Starship Edsel towards the end of the 24th century. It is based upon a LARP written and developed by Brandon Brylawski, who is also a producer and head writer on this show.

The Edsel is a cruiser, Edsel class (the only one), largely regarded as a failure in ship design. Somehow, serious flaws in architecture and engineering were not caught until the prototype ship was completed. From its launch, it has been plagued with mechanical and operational problems that have played havoc with its fitness and combat-readiness, to the point where it became the butt of jokes throughout Starfleet. Soon it had become a dumping ground for personnel who were considered too disruptive or incompetent for front-line service, but who had not done anything sufficiently egregious to warrant being discharged. Eventually, Starfleet Command sent down an order to retire the embarrassing vessel, to the relief of all involved. But it was not to be. At the last moment, the Federation Council countermanded the directive: a political use had been found for the vessel. The Edsel's new continuing mission:

To stay in permanent parking orbit around the vacation planet of Atlantis

To deal with vapid and overbearing VIPs

To boldly give tours of an "Authentic Federation Starship"!

Starship Edsel is an improvised farce. Dialogue is improvised with characters and story arcs "lovingly" crafted in advance.

Directed by Jack Bronis

Created and Written by Brandon Brylawski

with additional writing by Eric Scull

Starring:

Jen Connor as Captain Lilith Hardstone

Kelsey Blackwell as Lieutenant Co'Ay

Brandon Drap as Ensign Dan Gianutore

Matthew Kawa as Lieutenant T'Pang Gah

Laura Ann Parry as Lt. Commander Tracey Beamer

Carlos Rivera as Counselor J'Errrs'q

Janice Rumschlag as Lieutenant Amalda

Judson Russell as "Doctor" Croup

Bernadette Santos Schwegel as Cadet Cornelia "Corn" Hardstone

Dylan Schaefer as Commander Russell T. Stillwell

Keely Smith as Lt. Junior Grade Vialee Parr

Mark Soloff as Lt. Commander Null

Stage Manager/Technical Director/Computer Voice/Ensemble:

Charlie Minard

Technical consulting by Dan Granata

Starship Edsel runs 60-75 minutes and will play at 10pm the first Saturday and third of every month.

Date and time

Starting Sat Jan 7th 2023 -- ongoing 

COVID-19 NOTICE:

Otherworld Theatre Company requires proof of full vaccination (initial vaccine and all eligible boosters) or a negative PCR test taken with 48 hours of the performance time. Masks are optional but are strongly encouraged to be worn during the show.

Otherworld Theatre is a Chicago-based performing arts nonprofit dedicated to producing live performances in the science fiction and fantasy genres. Otherworld's programing includes stage plays, sketch and improv comedy, online streaming performances, community events, and under its Moonrise LARP Games program, produces immersive theatre and Live-Action-Role-Playing (LARP) events.

For more information, visit https://www.otherworldtheatre.org.

REVIEW: Murder On Horizon: An Immersive Sci-Fi Noir Via Otherworld Theatre Now Extended Through May 15th, 2022

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Murder On Horizon: An Immersive Sci-Fi Noir

 is out of this world!

EXTENDED THROUGH MAY 15TH DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND

*Recommended for ages 13+ due to themes of crime, murder, and drug usage. Half price tickets for those under 16.

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List: 

Otherworld Theatre's Murder On Horizon: An Immersive Sci-Fi Noir

All photos by B. Kenaz-Mara

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Here at ChiIL Mama, we're huge fans of immersive, interactive theatre, and Otherworld is a favorite of ours. With theatre openings in full swing, my schedule was so packed I thought I'd have to miss out on reviewing Murder On Horizon. Thanks to another production shutting down due to a plethora of covid cases in the cast, I was able to squeak in the 2nd to last weekend of the extended run and catch this fantastically fun murder mystery. I'll try to write this review as spoiler-free as possible so players can come in unbiased and surprised at the complicated plot twists, red herrings, white flowers, mods and magic. 

If you're still easing back into indoor shows in these strange days, Otherworld caps the audience at 8 masked/vaxxed people, so it feels like a low(ish) covid risk. We loved the stellar writing, 1920's style stage entertainment, characters, and attention to detail. 

Bonus points for the bar on site with a first drink on the house, and of course the inimitable eye candy of this funky, pop culture filled space. At Gorgine's Bar, we enjoyed the Viking's Blood Mead (honey wine) and the Horizon's Manhattan along with a shot of clues and character intros. 

When we first docked on this alien planet, we were pleased to be offered our choice of wristbands indicating whether we wanted characters to interact with us or whether we preferred a "fly on the wall" experience. We were also thrilled to be able to shoot photos throughout the show. The mystery was difficult and unpredictable enough that we weren't easily able to solve it, and the characters were exceptional guides to keep each segment of the plot on schedule. We even had to dig deep and reach a group majority among the detectives, on a complex and thought provoking ethical dilemma. Of course we always appreciate clever playbill designs, too. 

The set design is such fun, and the costumes are quite impressive. Kudos to Otherworld for truly stellar world building all around. We had a blast! Best off world adventure we've ever been on, and we were still home in time for dinner, with a solved murder under our space belts. 

All in all, we loved this space noir production and are eager to see what Otherworld productions are up next. Highly recommended. Don't miss this!

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, videographer, actress, artist and Mama. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

CHICAGO READER RECOMMENDED!

"The attention to detail behind each element of the Horizon universe is superb. The ensemble, under the direction of Otherworld artistic director Tiffany Keane Schaefer, has created fully realized characters and does an excellent job of displaying their desires, eccentricities, and relationship to the case at each point of the show... the world feels authentic, and the mission remains clear, the stakes feel high, and the audience involvement feels meaningful." -Katie Powers, Chicago Reader

3.5 STARS, HOLLYWOOD CHICAGO

"As the live stage scene starts to rev up again, “Murder on Horizon” is a great way to ease back into it, where you’re part of the action. Gorgine the bartender will be there to serve you, and the crew of Horizon is there to mystify you. In space, no one can hear you name the murderer in advance." - Patrick McDonald, Hollywood Chicago

MURDER ON HORIZON brings audiences to the distant future, to a time when humans are genetically and technologically enhanced, or “modded.” Val Tramel, a mysterious scientist conducting secret research is found murdered on the Horizon Space Station. The famously unmodded Detective Symin Stone is dispatched to investigate. Although it’s clear Horizon authorities want to sweep this under the rug, Symin and their team quickly learn there is more to this case than meets the eye.

Audiences will explore the Horizon Space Station, visiting key features of the station including the Med-Bay, Engineering, the Greenhouse, and the Bar where they will enjoy a themed cocktail (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) as they interview suspects and gather evidence to unravel the mystery of who killed Val Tramel. 

Each performance is limited to 8 audience members, allowing unique opportunities to interact with the set pieces and content, while maintaining a COVID-safe environment.

MURDER ON HORIZON: AN IMMERSIVE SCI-FI NOIR runs approximately 90 minutes.

Tickets:

$50 for adults and $25 for children (up to age 16), and each ticket includes a coupon for a themed beverage at the Otherworld bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available). 

Show times are Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 10 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. 

COVID-19 Notice:

All attendees including audience members, media, staff and volunteers, and performers are required to show proof of full vaccination, and masks are required to be worn over the mouth and nose at all times, unless actively eating or drinking.