Photo Flash: In Rehearsal with Lookingglass's STEADFAST TIN SOLDIER

Lookingglass Theatre Company presents the world premiere of The Steadfast Tin Soldier, from the story by Hans Christian Andersen, conceived and directed by Ensemble Member Mary Zimmerman. This family-friendly, holiday show runs November 7, 2018-January 13, 2019 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. Tickets can be purchased online at lookingglasstheatre.org or by phone at (312) 337-0665.

"Mary's ability to transform stories for the stage has thrilled Lookingglass audiences for years," notes Artistic Director Heidi Stillman. "The Steadfast Tin Soldierwill be highly visual, physical, poetical, and musical, and we've assembled an incredibly talented group of actors, musicians, and designers to bring her vision to life. It's going to be a glittery, tinselly visual feast, and perfect for the Holidays!"

The cast features Anthony Irons (Goblin), who was recently named a Lookingglass Artistic Associate. This is Iron's first show with the company as an Artistic Associate. The cast also includes Artistic Associates Christopher Donahue (Nursemaid), and Kasey Foster (Ballerina), with John Gregorio (Rat), and Alex Stein (Steadfast Tin Soldier).

Original music for The Steadfast Tin Soldier is composed by Artistic Associate Andre Pluess and Amanda Dehnert. Musicians include Leandro López Várady (Music Director/Piano), Greg Hirte (Violin), Michal Palzewicz (Cello) and Constance Volk (Woodwinds).

The creative team includes Todd Rosenthal (scenic design), Ana Kuzmanic (costume design), TJ Gerckens (lighting design), Artistic Associate Andre Pluess and Christopher M. LaPorte (sound design), Leandro López Várady (associate arranger), Ensemble Member Tracy Walsh (choreography), Artistic Associate Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi (circus choreography), Blair Thomas (puppet design), Tom Lee (puppet design), Amanda Hermann (properties) and Isaac Schoepp(rigging design).

Unlock this jewel-adorned music box for the whole family!

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's The Steadfast Tin Soldier, Ensemble Member Mary Zimmerman (Metamorphoses, Treasure Island) fashions an extravagant and exhilarating spectacle. The unlikely adventure of a little tin soldier, brimming with love and unblinking bravery, is infused with Zimmerman's dazzling blend of storytelling through image and movement, accompanied by live musicians. Unsuspecting travelers make unexpected discoveries in this luminous tale, destined to enchant any and all of us not made of tin.

Photo Credit: Liz Lauren