The Ruffians’ blazing ‘Burning Bluebeard’ set for brief return

It is a widely acknowledged fact that Chicago theaters can set their audiences on fire. But at the Dec. 30, 1903 matinee performance of “Mr. Blue Beard,” a popular Christmas pantomime, it was the theater itself — the lavish, new, “state-of-the art” Iroquois Theatre, located in the heart of the Loop — that erupted in a historic conflagration as sparks ignited a muslin curtain, probably as a result of an electrical short circuit. It turned out to be the deadliest theater fire on record, with at least 602 casualties.

For some years now, a Chicago ensemble calling itself The Ruffians has presented “Burning Bluebeard,” a breathtaking fantasia about the fire written by Jay Torrence and directed by Halena Kays (who recently triumphed with her production of “The Magic Play” at the Goodman Theatre). This season, the show — a haunting and altogether magical piece — will return for just three performances (Dec. 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.) at The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland.

A blend of guilt-ridden poignancy, black comedy, music, clowning, tumbling, acrobatics and dance, “Burning Bluebeard” conjures the story of six fire-singed clown performers who emerge from the burnt remains of history and attempt to perform their show and hopefully reach the intended happy ending of the panto’s second act (and avoid the fateful fire).

The production will feature last season’s full cast, including Pam Chermansky, Anthony Courser, Molly Plunk, Jay Torrence, Leah Urzendowski and Ryan Walters. Tickets ($35 in advance, $40 at the door and $25 for students) go on sale Dec. 1 at brownpapertickets.com. If you haven’t seen this show, do not miss it this time around.

The cast of The Ruffians’ production of “Burning Bluebeard.” (Photo: Evan Hanover)