City Lit Theater’s ‘Glassheart’ Is A Charming Tale

Glassheart is a charming look at what would happen if The Beast took to a Chicago apartment while looking for his beauty. With a twist on the classic story, this funny play will leave you amused, thoughtful, and very entertained.

Most of us know the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast. A story about a beautiful young woman who, to protect the life of her father, goes to live with a hideous beast in perpetuity. Unbeknownst to the woman, the beast is under an enchantment that will only go away if he finds true love, which eventually happens, and the spell is broken.

As part of the enchantment, the house-help has been transformed into household items (a feather duster, a vanity, etc.) and is also punished until the enchantment is broken. This is typically set in a small provincial town in France in the 18th century. It is a tale as old as time, as they say.

Glassheart, the new production at City Lit Theater, is a reimagining of this tale. Set in modern-day Chicago, Glassheart is the story of The Beast and his loyal attendant, Only, who is a lamp. They have recently moved on Only’s counsel and are looking for love for The Beast. The Beast is in deep despair at all times and it is Only who is keeping everything afloat, including as much of his mood as possible.

One day, in the Chicago apartment they now live in, the landlady visits. She is actually a witch who attempts to get close to Only. Over time, a lovely woman named Aiofe moves into the building, bonds with Only and The Beast, and so as not to attract suspicion, Only begins moving through the paces of Aiofe’s life so that she and The Beast can continue to be together. Having gotten a taste of what it’s like to be a person with autonomy, able to make your own friends and have your own existence, Only considers all of her options in reference to herself, The Beast, and the witch’s suggestions to continue down her current path.

Glassheart is a very funny tale that touches on loyalty, love, honesty, and sacrifice, much like the classic story. But in this version, the story is mostly viewed through the lens of the attendant rather than the beauty or the beast. What would it be like to go from a servant whose only purpose is to please and serve their master (with no feelings or desires of their own) to maturing into a position of wanting, wishing, and hoping for things for yourself? Where do you land?

This production does an excellent job of storytelling. Taking the material and fleshing it out with physical humor, a fantastically thought-out set, excellent lighting, and creative costumes, the audience is left amused, engaged, and charmed.

Decorated with telltale items like a teapot and matching teacup, tons of books in bookcases with clock-like designs at the top, two handles on each window (resembling closed eyes), and a gorgeous red chaise lounge chair with a swan design, the room feels as if it could be alive (or was alive?) at any moment. And with gold stars decorating the walls, that blink or shine with the mood of the room, there is always something to look at and appreciate in this production.

Only’s lamp costume is fabulous, complete with a light at the top that turns on and off by chain. Aiofe’s gold dress, The Beast’s royally embroidered jacket with Victorian lace ruffle, and The Witch’s black and bohemian costuming all feel like a nod to the classic archetypes. You know who these characters are just by looking at them.

The actors are all talented and well-cast, but Kat Evans in particular shines brightly as Only. This character goes on a journey unlike the others and Ms. Evans exudes a confidence and connection that truly stands out. At some points, you are unsure whether Only is as innocent as she appears or if she has an underlying nefarious quality, which could potentially change the trajectory of the show. I’ll let you watch and decide for yourself.

Glassheart is an entertaining retelling of a story that you already know. With quirky characters, fun banter, and tons to look at, you are going to love seeing things from a new angle.

Glassheart runs for approximately 2 hours including a 10-minute intermission and is suitable for all ages.

City Lit Theater: Glassheart Review – Glassheart is playing at the City Lit Theater through 2/23/2025. Tickets can be purchased through the City Lit Theater website. City Lit Theater is located at 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Chicago, Il 60660 (Inside Edgewater Presbyterian Church).