Creative Storytelling
The story itself details Hershel’s eight nights in the old synagogue, and how he encounters a goblin each night he attempts to light the candles. Lawfer’s portrayal of Grandfather Hershel is clever and witty, with a fun stage presence that plays along with the audience, inviting them in on his jokes.
Stone and her team make each goblin distinct in design, allowing them to grow in size with the help of the ensemble members portraying them. The first goblin for example, portrayed by Nicole Bloomsmith, is the smallest, and Wilson and Costume Designer Rachel Sypniewski create a small cutout of a goblin to place on a wall behind which Bloomsith can hide her body. As the tiny goblin attempts to scare Hershel, the audience roars with laughter, and is ready to cheer as Hershel outwits her.
The King of the Goblins (portrayed by Jon Penick and Harmony Zhang) appears on the last night, and Lighting Designer Aaron Lorenz aids in the performance through masking the actors in darkness, allowing the goblin to appear in silhouette form. This writer was impressed by the effect, and how the design helped sharpen the contrast, creating an event out of the final test for Grandpa Hershel.
Lauren Katz is a freelance director and dramaturge, and new to the Chicago Theatre Scene. She recently moved from Washington DC, where she worked with Mosaic Theater Company of DC in Company Management, as well as directed around town with various theaters.