House Theatre in Chicago reinvents hit 'Dave Davinci' for stage

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BY PHILIP POTEMPA ppotempa@nwitimes.com 219.852.4327 | Sunday, October 05, 2008 | (No comments posted.)

After six years at the Viaduct Theatre, the House Theatre of Chicago has a new home for presenting one of the company's stage favorites.

The same group who produced the box office hit "The Sparrow" has now set up shop at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. for a limited engagement showcasing their "re-imagined" hit "Dave Davinci Saves the Universe" playing through Nov. 8.

This is the story of the world's most famous scientist working against the clock to invent the only thing that can save his daughter's life and his own marriage: a time machine.

Written by the theater group's founding members, Chris Matthews, Jake Minton and Nathan Allen, the latter who is directing this version, this time around some new characters and twists have been added to the story to keep audiences even more drawn to the interesting scenarios that unfold.

"Our theater company was founded in 2001 with our first production opening Oct. 31," Allen said.

"Now, this show marks our 20th production. We describe this story as 'our first family tragedy' shared with an audience."

Built on themes and a premise that ranges from subjects that span science fiction and superheros to cowboys and samurai, Allen said the House Theatre has developed a loyal following during the last eight seasons.

"Our name says it all, which is why our space is so important to us," he said.

"The reason we decided to call this company 'The House' was because the audience, which in theater terms is 'the house,' is always treated like an added member of the both the cast and our company. All identities are folded into our productions. It's a shared experience."

The cast for "Dave Davinci Save the Universe" included Carolyn Defrin, Paige Hoffman, Joshua Holden, Stacy Stoltz, Stephen Taylor and Dennis Watkins.

The music for the show is composed by Kevin O'Donnell and new scenic design is the work of Collette Pollard, along with new lighting by Ben Wilhelm, costumes by Debbie Baer, sound by Michael Griggs and props by Michelle Warner.

Allen said the month of October is always a special time for his theater company.

"It was seven years ago when we created our first show that would be the start for so many stage traditions to follow," he said.

The first show turned out to be a critically acclaimed run of "The Death of Harry Houdini," which was quickly followed up with "The Terrible Tragedy of Peter Pan," which ran for more than five months.

Over the years, Allen and the members have enjoyed other stage successes like "The Great and Terrible Wizard of Oz," "Hatfield & McCoy" and "The Valentine Trilogy."

But 2007, not only was the House Theatre a company recognized in the Windy City, but their stage showcase that year was "The Sparrow," the story of a small town girl with supernatural powers which led to the show being produced at multiple venues to sold-out audiences at both the Apollo Theater and Steppenwolf.

Tickets for "Dave Davinci Saves the Universe" range from $10 to $29 and are available at (773) 251-2195 or thehousetheatre.com.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.

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