Steadstyle Chicago
	November 2009 Theatre Review by Meghan Gillogly
	Gossamer The story of "Gossamer" is actually an adaptation from a 2006 novel written by Lois Lowry.  It is an exploration of dreams and how they can help and haunt us all.  Elements of reality and fantasy are combined in this 90-minute play incorporating made up creatures know as "Dream-Givers" and how they are sent in the night to help stimulate pleasent dreams as healing aids to help troubled humans on earth.  Each performance is accompanied by a brief Q&A with the cast which gives the audience a chance to ask unanswered questions they may have which serves the youngsters in the audience best.  The story opens with an eager new Dream-Giver know as "Littlest One" (Elizabeth Birkenmeier) and her journey to become a full-fledged or full-time (however you choose to percieve her transformation) Dream-Giver.  "Littlest One" is coached by a group of Givers on the how's and why's of who she is and given her first assignment of a troubled orphan boy, John (Victoria Abram-Copenhaver) and his caregiver played by Susan Veronika Adler.  For me, the elements of fantasy fell short in keeping my attention throughout the whole play.  There seemed to be a lot of back and forth from reality to fantasy, the world in which the Dream-Givers live that seemed redundant even for children's theater.  The cast as a whole was successful at conveying a sense of community and revealing the message to the children in the audience of confidence and self-esteem.  However, the story itself was a bit stale and seemed to drag on.  Laura B. Kollar's costume designs were appropriate and authentic for the reality scenes within the play but the designs for the Dream-Givers were less than they could be and were a bit out-dated.   Karen Hoffman's scenic design served as a clean, modern slate for the action upon the stage and the transitions from scene to scene were aesthetically well put together.  Overall, this is a good performance I would reccomend for younger audiences 8-13 years old.  The story was often hard to stay focused on because of its lack of substance and depth that I believe our children today are capable of viewing and understanding so much more. Adventure Stage Chicago presents "Gossamer" through December 17, 2009 at Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St.  The show runs 90 minutes without an intermission.  Performances are Saturdays at 2pm with an additional 7pm show November 27 only.  Tickets are $17 adults, $12 kids 14 and under.  Call 773-342-4141 or visit www.adventurestage.org for more information.   About Meghan Gillogly Meghan Gillogly was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida and moved to Chicago to continue her studies and pursuit of acting.  She started as a dancer in everything from tap, jazz, ballet and some ballroom and taught in Orlando for a year.  She had the opportunity to study and perform with the Sarasota Ballet of Florida, with Frank Hatchett, a master choreographer from NYC, and danced on Disney's Cinderella castle stage.  She became involved with the theater at nine years old with a local community theater and was hooked ever since.  Throughout high school she performed  in many classic plays including "Guys and Dolls," "Me and My Girl," "Once Upon a Mattress," and "Good News".  Having studied at Florida State University, American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, Second City here in Chicago and Columbia College, Chicago, she is eager to work as an actor in this great city where she has resided now for almost 5 years.  She currently works at the House of Blues in the Foundation Room as well as enjoying her opportunity to stay abreast of talent and performances with her writing for Steadstyle.  She enjoys and looks forward to the opportunities with reviewing to learn about the beautiful work done in Chicago by many talented artists big and small through Steadstyle and hopes to be on stage herself in the near future.