20,000 Leagues Under the Sea at Strawdog Theatre

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Deep-sea expeditions, which make up the bulk of the longer scenes, are visually remarkable thanks to John Kelly's ingenious, artful lighting design, but not much distinguishes one dive from the next. We're led farther out to sea by Captain Nemo, the vessel's anarchist-genius commander, played here by Kathrynne Wolf (all the casting is gender blind), who commands some of the swagger of the self-exiled Renaissance man but generally comes off as just irritable, and never convincingly justifies Nemo's vendetta. Likewise, ambiguities abound, but never tighten into pure mystery."

Windy City Times - Highly Recommended

"...Every fantasy voyage requires an anchor-or, perhaps, a better analogy is a grappling-hook-to assist modern playgoers in suspension of their disbelief. With a few nods to fourth-wall dissonance ( "We'll need a bigger boat," says one character, echoing another popular fish story ), Matt Mroch's direction, um, immerses us in our milieu for the efficient, but never overhasty, 70 minutes during which Nemo exceeds the limits of his virtuous intentions by challenging nature itself, thus bringing upon himself the fate of all heroes surrendering to hubris, and leaving us to contemplate the lesson conveyed by the survivors of the thrilling voyage."

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...The father of science fiction literature would be pleased at how well his much-loved Victorian novel has translated to the 21st century stage. Much as the author did with his novels, Mroch’s production taps into the audience’s imagination, allowing them to help create this rousing, thought-provoking theatrical experience that’s suitable for audiences, middle school age to adult. This is one whale of a tale that’s bound to bring enjoyment to new audiences in this unique, new voyage."

The Fourth Walsh - Somewhat Recommended

"...The ambitious show begs to be more of an extravaganza. It wants to be a sea-worthy spectacle. The cast go on excursions with clever painted flashlights and makeshift diving gear. They encounter ensemble members doing their best fish impressions. It’s not that it’s not good. It’s just hard to visualize. Often the talented cast are obscured behind seats or columns. They try to do their best, in-sync, over-sized octopus. I just can’t see it! Sheffer and Sonneville wrote a play that could be a designers‘ showcase. Although the pageantry possibilities are vast within this 20,000 LEAGUES, the execution is a big-fish-in-a-small-pond. The rustic Hugen Hall is limiting. I’d like to see the Nautilus make it out on open waters, or Strawdog mainstage, and seeing what she what really can do with more resources fueling her expedition!"