Redmoon Theater productions highlight wonderful wizardry-- here two puppets used in Dr Egg and the Man with No Ear. (Sean Williams)

CHICAGO—Redmoon Theater, a group that started in 1989 in Logan Square with a mission to create "spectacle theater," has, over the years, created a signature form of visual and imaginative theater using puppetry, mechanical objects, physical movement, and special effects. Oh yes, they also use actors!

This time they have imported a hit that played the Sydney Opera House in 2007. Created and directed by Australian artist Jessica Wilson (original story by Catherine Fargher with music by Laura Golan), Dr Egg and the Man with No Ear follows a man and his daughter as they encounter the mysterious Dr Egg and search for a biotechnological way to replace the man’s ear (bitten off by a frenzied bull terrier years earlier).

Adam Shalzi as Dr. Egg and Dominic Green as the narrator. (Sean Williams)

The one-hour theatrical experience explores the issues of morality and sacrifice and is very suitable for young audiences.

Four talented performers bring all of this to life. Dominic Green serves as the narrator who hatches all of the characters (as well as an egg), as he hops about from table to table showing his agility as well as his solid character. The young girl is beautifully played by Rebecca Mauldin, her father by Brandon Boler, and the curious Dr Egg by Adam Shalzi.

Rebecca Mauldin as The Daughter, and Brandon Boler as The Man in Dr. Egg and the Man with No Ear. (Sean Williams)

Jessica Wilson's direction is dynamic, keeping the flow of the story and the action paced perfectly. The puppets by Graeme Davis, the animation by Jamie Clennett, and some great lighting by John Horan all add to the magic of this production.

Dr.Egg and the Man with No Ear
Redmoon Theater
1463 West Hubbard
Tickets: 312-850-8440 or www.redmoon.org
Closes: Oct. 19

Alan Bresloff writes about theater in and around Chicago.