Almost forty years before John Woo had Nic Cage and John Travolta swapping mugs as a vehicle for on-screen suspense, Georges Franju originated the cinematic concept to far creepier (if less action-packed) effect. A brokenhearted plastic surgeon tries to restore his daughter’s mutilated face by kidnapping young women off the streets of Paris and stealing their identities the pre-digital way.
Not a subject one might imagine as a muse for a tap show, but Mark Yonally, artistic director of Chicago Tap Theatre, was inspired by just that, creating an evening-length stage adaptation of the French horror film “Les Yeux Sans Visage” told through rhythm both verbal and tapped. Yonally teamed with legendary Poetry Slam founder Marc Kelly Smith, to develop the script and narrate the tragic tale. The original score is by frequent CTT collaborator Andrew Edwards. (Sharon Hoyer)
March 23-25 and March 30-April 1 at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont, (773)327-5252. Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm. $20-$35.
Related Stories
Fresh Story, Old Favorites: Chicago Tap Theatre Celebrates the Season with Tidings of Tap! The show features percussive dance backed by a five-piece jazz band.- A Grand Entrance: A Preview of South Chicago Dance Theatre’s Inaugural Gala at University of Chicago’s Mandel Hall South Chicago Dance Theatre's gala debut will be a celebration of diversity in dance, and create a context of inclusion and empowerment.
- Gone Fishin’: A Review of The Gulf at About Face Theatre A slow and solitary, meditative musing on human nature. And fish.
- Buried History: A Review of Time Is On Our Side at About Face Theatre About Face Theatre's latest is a heartfelt and hilarious exploration of queer history.
- Joy and Terror: A Review of Significant Other at About Face Theatre and Theater Wit A bittersweet new play from Joshua Harmon ("Bad Jews") about being single and staying strong.
- Dad Days: A Review of Dada Woof Papa Hot at About Face Theatre Duty and autonomy collide in this earnest investigation of modern parenting.
