I’m a sucker for the sarcastic, phantastic worlds of graphic novelist/screenwriter/author Neil Gaiman. He makes you long for an invitation to his twisted tea party. But Robert Kauzlaric’s too-faithful adaptation of Gaiman’s “Neverwhere” makes us feel like we’ve stayed too long at the ball.

Richard Mayhew (Kauzlaric) is a solid do-gooder living a “normal” life when he stumbles on Door (Katie McLean), unconscious and bleeding on a London sidewalk. He’s drawn into her world and must help her to return to his own. What follows is a convoluted hero’s journey that tests the patience of the most ardent “Sandman” fan.

The ensemble fights hard to keep the energy alive; Chris Hainsworth is a bitchy, dismissive delight as a nobleman who serves Door; Sean Sinitski, Christopher Walsh and Phil Timberlake evil it up nicely. Kauzlaric’s hero is likeable, we root for him. We just wish his quest didn’t take so long. (Lisa Buscani)

At Lifeline Theatre, 6912 North Glenwood, (773)761-4477. Through July 18.