With the seating area set like the inside of a large ship, wonderment immediately ensues as audience members walk into the theatre. Wooden pews take the place of traditional theatre chairs and a large canopy encompassing the entire room hangs overhead. Excitement takes places throughout the crowd before the show even begins.
Written by Artistic Director Andrew White, “Eastland” is the story of the Eastland Disaster that took place in the summer of 1915. A ship that was first built to hold 1500 passengers was later cleared to carry 2000. However, on July 25th 2,500 passengers were allowed to board. Despite an abnormal amount of swaying and rocking from side to side – while still docked – passengers, some already worried at the ship’s stability, were not told to exit the vessel. Finally, tragedy struck on the Chicago River near the intersection of Clark and LaSalle as the large boat capsized killing 844 passengers by drowning and being crushed.
The play is the telling of this Chicago catastrophe as it happens, along with flashbacks leading up to the event filled with highly anticipated excitement, curiosity and concern. “Eastland” is a musical that is done right. Its music, while explanatory, is memorable and in many cases aided with just the perfect amount of subtle choreography. Cast members double as the band members that provide all the show’s music complete with violin, banjo, piano and guitar.
Along with tremendous acting, Claire Wellin (“Bobbie”) gets to display her velvety vocals that have the makings of a pop superstar. The talent pool is vast in this production with great singing and acting performances from Michael Barrow Smith (“Pedersen”), Doug Hara (“Reggie”), Christine Mary Dunford (“Marianne”) and Lawrence E. Distasi (“Otto”, “Olaf”) to name a few.
“Eastland” is about last regrets, missed chances and unsaid goodbyes.
Imaginative and breathtaking, this is a show for everyone to enjoy – Chicago history buff or not. A truly entertaining story, “Eastland” is Chicago theatre at its best.
For more information and tickets visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org or call (312) 337-0665. Lookingglass Theatre is located at 821 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago. “Eastland” is running through July 29th.
