Fire and Ice

Loki—The End of the World Tour

The gods and goddesses, as well as many of the legendary creatures, heroes and events from Norse mythology, all come to life on the intimate Lifeline stage. Often spilling out into the house and up the aisles, sometimes even including members of the audience, this epic, ambitious and brilliantly spectacular rock musical may be one of the best shows of the year.

This world premiere was written by Lifeline Theatre’s award-winning team of creatives. The book is by ensemble member Christina Calvit (a four-time Jeff Award-winning playwright of many theatrical adaptations, including PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and ANGUS, THONGS AND FULL-FRONTAL SNOGGING), and multiple Jeff Citation-winner, George Howe, who’s crafted the show’s powerful musical score and lyrics, as well as serving as musical director. Mr. Howe, a gifted, longtime Lifeline ensemble member, will be remembered for such delightful TYA works as ARNIE THE DOUGHNUT and MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS. 

The resulting two-and-a-half hour rock musical is filled with action, secretive intrigue and plenty of humor. The show borrows material from many different sources, particularly the actual Scandinavian legends, plus Neil Gaiman’s contemporary novel, Norse Mythology, and his graphic series, The Sandman. It also taps into the wildly popular current treatments of the Marvel Universe found in “The Avengers,” as well as many video games, several comic books and countless films. But in this astounding Lifeline Theatre production, the story feels fresh, far-out and full of fun. So get ready to immerse yourself in a world that’s alive with Fire and Ice.

Truthfully advertised as “a riotous rock spectacle,” this adventurous, episodic musical blends portions of the ancient Norse myths with motifs that feel especially contemporary, given this country’s current political and cultural climate. Dabbling with familiar themes of allegiance, power, parental love and protection and the natural notion of “them versus us.”

As the lights dim, the saga is introduced by the all-knowing Norns, a talented, three-member onstage band, consisting of 

co-musical director and orchestrator, Kelan Smith (on lead guitar), Kara Olander (on keyboard and guitar) and Alek Boggio (on percussion). Together this trio provides the soundtrack for the show and skillfully accompanies each of the vocalists in their songs. The band’s professional musical contribution, along with every one of the extraordinarily talented singers, should consider cutting a cast album—they’re really that good!

The story primarily focuses on Loki (portrayed with power and passion by Jack Chylinski), the complex, shapeshifting trickster god, who arrives in the kingdom of Asgard. Simultaneously, he becomes both an ally and an adversary to the other gods and goddesses. He befriends Odin (played by a grounded and grandiose Scott Danielson), the Father and supreme ruler of Asgard. With a bit of conniving, for which the character is famous, Loki and Odin become blood brothers, which upsets the ruler’s children. 

Odin’s offspring include the stunningly gorgeous and fiercely feminine Freya (portrayed by the bold and beautiful Janelle Sanabria), the Norse goddess of love, beauty and war; Thor (the commanding and comical Keenan Odenkirk), a powerful protector of humanity and the god of strength, who’s also the sky god of thunder, lightning, wind and rain. Thor is the wielder of a large, magical hammer that, when thrown, will hit its target and then return to him (and the way this is accomplished in this musical is hilarious). 

Then there’s the gentle, gracious and good natured Baldur (Peter Gertas in a crowd-pleasing performance), Odin’s most beloved son. He’s the god of light, joy and purity and is renowned for his wisdom and fairness—the prototype of the “good guy.” His tragic death, orchestrated by Loki, will trigger the first of a series of dramatic events leading to Ragnarok, the end of the world. And, last but not least, is Sigyn (lovely India Renteria in a role that’s fully realized and reverent). She is the goddess of fidelity. Upon Loki’s arrival, Sigyn’s immediately attracted to him and soon becomes his loyal and compassionate wife. Sigyn’s unwavering devotion to Loki helps her husband in times of need.

A foreboding trio of Loki’s monstrous, supernatural children are destined to become the cause of all the chaos that will ultimately result in the world-ending Ragnarok. Hel, is the half-living/half-lifeless young goddess, who Odin will task with ruling over the realm of the dead. She’s played with much macabre merriment by Grace Reidenauer. Middy, the frightening Midgard Serpent, is portrayed by Avery Thompson, as a scaly, venomous foe. And Fenris, the snarling and dangerous wolf/man child, who Odin ends up chaining in a dungeon, is played with force and ferocity by Anthony Kayer. He also plays Thrym, the hilarious Lord of the Giants, as a fabulously flamboyant Frost King who steals Thor’s hammer. Thrym promises to return the magical weapon if he can have Freya as his bride; but Thor isn’t about to be blackmailed by a Giant, so he sets out to trick the villain. 

This admirable production was developed and brilliantly directed with humor and high energy by Lifeline’s managing director, Heather Currie. She fills the entire theater with unstoppable action, romance and and music. The production’s enhanced by G. “Max” Maxin IV’s dazzling rock concert lighting, Lindsay Mummert’s architectural ruins-inspired scenic design and, especially, Aly Amidei’s clever costumes (Freya’s glittering wardrobe is simply magical). Heather Currie brings the same kind of dynamic presentation to this show as she has in past productions, such as WAR OF THE WORLDS, CAT’S CRADLE and the enchanting TIME WARP TRIO. However, because LOKI—THE END OF THE WORLD TOUR features so many different characters and covers a great many plot points, Act I feels too long. It could easily benefit from some judicious editing without losing much of the story. And with 24 songs, theatergoers may feel there’s an overload of music, the lyrics of which, at times, can be a difficult to hear and understand. 

The entire cast is terrific, both individually and collectively, each creating strong characters and employing their powerful singing voices. In what may be the best show this year, the story is always captivating and keeps the audience guessing the direction in which it’s headed. Even theatergoers who are familiar with Norse mythology, the Gaiman books or the Marvel films will find something new and astonishing in Lifeline Theatre’s dynamic and daring rock musical. LOKI—THE END OF THE WORLD TOUR is bold and brash, and the music is loud and the lights are blinding. But it all works. So just sit back and bask in the incredible, magical, mythological World of Fire and Ice.        

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented April 24-June 14 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

Photos by Josh Bernaski