“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Black Button Eyes Productions rides again! In this world premiere adaptation of the fantasy novel by Jessica Cluess, Lovecraftian horrors from another dimension have invaded Victorian England. A young lady with unusual magical ability, Henrietta Howell, may be the Chosen One destined to stop the army of monstrosities- if she can learn to control her powers in time. Intrigue, humor, sorcery, and tentacles- what's not to love?
August 23 - September 28, 2024
At the Edge Theater, 5451 N Broadway St, Chicago
Performances Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm
Opening Performance: Sunday, August 25 at 3 pm
One additional Industry Performance: Tuesday, September 10 at 7:30 pm
-We understand not everyone is comfortable being in a crowd without masks yet, so we have designated two performances where masks are required. Sunday, September 8, 2024 and Sunday, September 15, 2024 are the designated performances for A Shadow Bright and Burning. Masks are encouraged but no longer required for all other performances.
PLEASE NOTE: The show contains strobe lights and very loud sudden noises, both practical and sound effect, some of which resemble gun shots. There is significant haze and fog used, and audience members in rows close to the stage may come in contact with harmless light items like confetti or streamers.
Run time: Approximately 2 hours, including one fifteen-minute intermission.
Click here for more information on the cast!
Click here for more information on the crew!
Click here to read our full digital show program!
Known Understudy Performance Dates
On Friday, September 20, Cellini will be performed by Jennifer Mickelson, whose ensemble track will be performed by Cheterra McCray.
On Saturday, September 21, Magnus will be played by Quinton Walker.
On Friday, September 27, Agrippa will be performed by Jason LaCombe, whose ensemble track will be performed by Mia Marks.
