Invaders From Mars

War of the Worlds

In one of the first books to ever depict a conflict between extraterrestrials and the human race, prolific English author H.G. Wells (The Time Machine, The Invisible Man) wrote a science fiction novel that proved so popular that it’s never been out of print. Originally serialized in Victorian periodicals, War of the Worlds was eventually published as a complete novel in 1898. The story, which was set in London and the nearby vicinity, introduced the word “Martians” as the invaders from Mars. But the term didn’t refer simply to beings from the planet Mars but included anything otherworldly or unknown. Wells’ novel went on to inspire an entire genre of fiction about intergalactic invasions and space travel. 

In addition, the novel has, to date, inspired seven film adaptations, as well as a television series, graphic novels, video games and various sequels written by other authors. But probably the most famous adaptation of War of the Worlds is Orson Welles’ 1938 radio broadcast. The story was reset in the United States and presented as a breaking news bulletin. The media event led to mass panic and, eventually, public outrage because the radio audience had been so gullible.

Lifeline Theatre Ensemble members John Hildreth and Heather Currie have teamed up again, following their terrific adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s, Cat’s Cradle, to bring the H.G. Wells classic to the stage. The fight for the survival of mankind has been cleverly set in present-day Illinois, particularly in and around Chicago. Wisely, the playwrights have crafted their particular version of Wells’ story as broad melodrama.The characters are exaggerated and overblown and their dialogue often draws laughter from the savvy audience. 

The plot, which is madcap, fast-paced and action-packed, depicts a group of scientists from a fictional Illinois Scientific Institute. They’ve observed mysterious bursts of light on Mars through their gigantic telescope. Suddenly reports are transmitted about meteor-like objects crashing to the earth around the Chicago suburbs. These outer space invasions prompt both the scientists and the military to further investigate.

In one of the craters they find a cylindrical spaceship that, when approached by the people, fires heat rays and poisonous black smoke at them. To everyone’s horror, the cylinders begin growing into huge metal Tripods. The monsters begin stalking the land, killing everyone in their path and creating mass chaos. In the midst of all this death and destruction, the main character, Professor Wittington, becomes separated from his wife, Dr. Wittington. Suddenly the fight for the survival of the state becomes personal.

Directed with energy, wit and a comet-full of creativity, longtime Ensemble member Heather Currie has instilled this production with her trademark love of physical theatre. The show starts with a bang—literally—and zips along at breakneck speed. Supported by a crackerjack production team, particularly Scenic Designer Lindsay Mummert, Lighting Designer Sarah Riffle and Sound Designer Joe Griffin, Ms. Currie’s cast is an ensemble company, in the truest sense of the word. Each of her eight talented actors portray multiple roles, constantly adapting their costumes, wigs and props, along with their voices and physical embodiments, to become hundreds of different individuals.

Mark Mendelsohn nicely portrays a charming Professor Wittington, and other characters, with Jocelyn Maher beautifully playing his physician wife, Dr. Wittington, as well as others. Seen at Lifeline in such shows as CAT’S CRADLE, ARNIE THE DOUGHNUT and JANE EYRE, Anthony Kayer is always a standout in any cast. He plays Professor Ogilvy, and a myriad of additional characters. His spot-on portrayal of the Governor of Illinois will remind smart theatergoers of our current Head of State. Amanda Link, another familiar face at Lifeline, is out-of-this-world as cyborg, Assistant Professor Whitehurst. The cast is filled out by Kamille Dawkins as the masked Miss Montgomery, Cael Fevrius as Owusu (and hilarious as the robotic Chucky), Karla Serrato as Bautista and more, and Mandy Walsh as Bronski, et al.

Providing a fine finale to their 42nd season, Lifeline Theatre shows why they’re considered one of Chicago’s best. Their mission has always been to explore, interpret and reimagine books and other literary works, in order to create theatre that moves us beyond the margins of our own lives. In fulfilling this goal, Lifeline has done it again. Don’t miss this contemporary, 95-minute version of WAR OF THE WORLDS for a rollicking riot of Science Fiction fun about invaders from Mars.   

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented May 23-July 13 by Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling them at 773-761-4477 or by going to www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com