The question of what separates good theater from great theater is a vexing one. A production can have everything going for it—strong acting, a great set, amazing costumes, wonderful direction—and still leave us feeling unmoved and empty. The new play at Lookingglass, Sara Gmitter’s In the Garden: A Darwinian Love Story, left me feeling that way.
Everyone performs in gorgeous Victorian costumes by Mara Blumenfeld, on a set (designed by Collette Pollard) that is to die for: a fine wood desk, a beautiful grand piano, a reclining sofa of the kind Freud made famous, and behind it all a high bookcase packed with books.
As the title suggests, the play focuses on the questions Darwin’s work raises about the clash between science and faith, fascinating issues to be sure—for an essay, but not for riveting theater, at least not in this case.
Through 6/15: Wed-Sat 7:30 PM, Sun 3 and 7:30 PM; also Tue 5/13, 5/27, and 6/10, 7:30 PM Lookingglass Theatre Company, Water Tower Water Works 821 N. Michigan 312-337-0665 lookingglasstheatre.org $40-$65
