Adventure Stage Chicago continues to impress with their most recent production, Gossamer. Based on the book by Lois Lowry, Gossamer is the story of a fairy-like "dreamgiver" and the boy who she helps get through rough times with the power of dreams. This production will be playing at the Vittum Theater in West Town through December 17, 2009 and is recommended for children in 4th thru 8th grades. Tickets cost $8-$17 dollars.

Each time I see an Adventure Stage production I am struck by how maturely they address their young audiences (Holes, Katrina). There is no pandering. They choose serious subject matter, use sophisticated staging, and give heartfelt performances that are truly moving. Gossamer tells the story of a "dream-giver" in training named Littlest One. She is given a young boy to bestow dreams upon. The boy is very troubled due to an abusive past and needs to be strengthened by good dreams, and protected from painful nightmares. Littlest One is new to the job, but her elders soon learn that she is gifted with a deep sensitivity to what humans need. The play confronts child abuse head on, from the perspective of the boy, his mother and the older woman who takes the boy in as a foster child. Some of the scenes are heavy, but the show is appropriate for the suggested age group (8-14).

After every show the actors and director take questions from the audience. It is an intimate conversation as this is a small theater and the actors sit on the edge of the stage during the Q & A. On the day I was there, the young audience was enthralled by the fact that the actor who plays the boy is actually a young woman. They peppered her with questions and were obviously surprised by her performance and the casting choice. Also, the production incorporates puppetry, as well as an actor in an ingenious dog costume. These were topics the young audience had a lot of questions about as well. It is fun to see the cast talking to the kids about acting, production choices, casting, costumes - basically how theater works. I am sure that through their high-quality productions and approachable ensemble, Adventure Stage is inspiring the next generation of actors, directors, writers, and theater lovers.