By Venus Zarris

Winter Pageant Redux is nothing short of splendid seasonal alchemy as Redmoon treats us to a beautiful and loving reworking of an old favorite.

“You guys want to make some snow?” a cast member asks two kids and then whisked them to an island patch of Astroturf in the cavernous Redmoon Central theater space. There they happily tare sheets of white paper into small bits while chatting with the performers. By engaging them ahead of time, these kids are wrapped for the entire production. (And when the snow effect finally arrived it creates a simply resplendent winter wonderland!)

Winter Pageant Redux is as much a celebration of playtime as it is a celebration of the seasons. Breathtaking music with heart rendering visualizations mesmerize from the opening sequence as an illuminated sun enters, followed by incredible mechanical clouds and flying machines. .

Summer is represented by a hysterically hectic office chair and desk dance, topped off with a fish/frog puppet in a suit wooing a young woman.

Fall dazzles with brilliant boat sequences, a fantastical fish dance and beguiling shadow puppetry.

Winter has a snow fight, snow angels and more mechanical creations that boggle the mind.

And then Spring arrives triumphant, singing a song that could lure the saltiest of sailors to the rocks.

This conceptual paradise draws the audience in on unexpected levels of compelling joy. At about 50 minutes, it is the perfect length for a show without a narrative. The talented cast is remarkable and the exceptional technical design and execution is incredible.

If you have already had it with shopping, Santa and the nightly financial reports of who is and isn’t BUYING what, Winter Pageant Redux will sweep you away with their spellbindingly creative carnival of the seasons. This sensational secular holiday treat will inspire imaginations while delighting the kids as well as your inner child.

4 STARS

(”Winter Pageant Redux” runs December 21 at Redmoon Central, 1463 W. Hubbard St. 312-850-8440) Redmoon Theater » Home

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