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The Mark of Zorro
Based on the novel by Johnston McCulley
Adapted by Katie McLean
Produced by Lifeline Theatre
At Theatre Building Chicago
1225 W. Belmont
Chicago, IL
Tickets: 773-327-5252 or www.theatrebuildingchicago.org, $30 (student/senior discounts)
Thur. & Fri. at 7:15, Sat. at 4:00 & 8:00, Sun. at 4:00
Running time is 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission
Through November 23rd
Zorro is the Most Fun Show in Town
When Lifeline Theatre opened its production of Katie McLean’s original adaptation of The Mark of Zorro earlier this year the idea of a new Zorro just didn’t excite me. Was I ever wrong! This Zorro is just about the most fun anyone could have at the theatre and I am not just talking about the audience. Director Dorothy Milne has unleashed a lightning-paced, swashbuckler that is so much fun for the actors that the atmosphere of excitement frankly infects the audience. There are heroes and villains and swords, of course, but there is also humor and some of the most downright honest stagecraft that I have seen in a long time. If you didn’t see The Mark of Zorro the first time around, make time now to get over to the remount presently running at Theatre Building Chicago in Lincoln Park. And if you did see it before, I am confident that you will want to see it again in its new digs.
James Elly heads up a very talented cast and is a knockout as Don Diego Vega, the young nobleman who dons the mask to avenge the poor and persecuted. His mild-mannered, effete portrayal of the hero provides relief that keeps the show from becoming mere melodrama. Captain Ramon, Zorro’s rival for the affections of the lovely maiden Lolita Pullido (Christina Nieves), is convincingly played by the dashing Robert Kauzlaric and John Luzar is perfect as the bragging, bumbling Sergeant Gonzalez. The other principles are all veterans and equally wonderful, but special mention has to be given to four dashing young actors who create the soldiers and citizens who populate an entire pueblo. Trevor Reusch, Derek Peruo, Bryan DiLoreto and B. Diego Colon are engaging and relaxed through countless costume changes. They swagger in and out; and along with Elly, Kauzlaric and Luzar provide the swordsmanship that no Zorro can ever be without.
For pure entertainment and fun at the theatre, Lifeline’s The Mark of Zorro is as good as it gets. It is a production that will appeal to the entire family and satisfy the most erudite of critics equally well. A must see show.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Randy Hardwick
randyontheglobe@yahoo.com for comments
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2008
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