Heart of 'Sparrow' rises above conventions

The storybook saga of "The Sparrow" continues. An imaginative, beguilingly told coming-of-age fairy tale about a young girl with a wounded spirit and special gifts, the surprise hit from The House Theatre of Chicago sold out its initial run in January at the Viaduct and a subsequent extension at Steppenwolf Theatre. Wednesday marked the beginning of its next chapter: a remount at the Apollo Theater co-produced by Broadway in Chicago, the first partnership of its kind for the company known for bringing Broadway blockbusters to the downtown theater district. "The Sparrow" centers on enigmatic Emily Book, played by the wonderful Carolyn Defrin, in a performance of muted eloquence. The sole survivor of an accident that took the lives of her classmates 10 years earlier, the bookish Emily returns home to finish high school. Befriended by the pretty, popular Jenny (Paige Hoffman) and encouraged by understanding biology teacher Mr. Christopher (Cliff Chamberlain), Emily comes out of her shell, emerging as the school's hero after she saves Jenny's life. Conceived and directed by Nathan Allen (who co-wrote the show with Chris Mathews and Jake Minton), "The Sparrow" boasts the House's trademark imaginative visuals in the form of Tracy Otwell's charming miniatures, Lucas Merino's evocative videos and a clever dodge-ball dance and whimsical fetal pig production number showcasing Tommy Rapley's high-spirited choreography deftly performed by an exuberant, thoroughly engaging cast. Inventively staged by Allen and animated by Kevin O'Donnell's lovely and wistful roots-pop score, this show exploits theatrical conventions to their fullest. But "The Sparrow" is more than a spectacle. This is a play about finding release from grief and guilt. It's about forgiveness. And it contains moments -- Emily's soaring solo dance transitioning from awkward to elegant as her confidence and self-esteem improve; a sweet but clumsy exchange between a father and his surrogate daughter; a community that finally puts away its grief and pain -- so honest, so genuine they will take your breath away. "The Sparrow"3#189;out of fourLocation: Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., ChicagoTimes: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 31Running Time: About 2 hoursTickets: $34.50-$49.50Parking: $10Box office: (773) 935-6100, www.thehousetheatre.com or www.broadwayinchicago.comRating: For teens and olderMore than anything, they are what make "The Sparrow" a tale worth retelling.