Body and Blood at The Gift Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...None of Nedved's characters are stereotypes; none of them do entirely what you expect them to do. Director Marti Lyons' production is carefully scaled to the space and understated. Blakewell is both sad and funny as the spurned girlfriend and Newton is greatly enjoyable as the caustic but emotional Monica, the kind of big sister many young men in Chicago will recognize."

ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended

"...A recent atheist and a believer trying to negotiate how to raise children could be interesting subject matter, as could a relationship in which one person abruptly changes their life in a way to exclude the other. But we hardly see the former, and the latter would be hard to make longer than a single scene. Whatever issue it is Dan has that keeps causing him to self-sabotage could also fuel a drama, were it not always in the background of his current behavior."

Around The Town Chicago - Recommended

"...Ultimately, however, strong leads are able to deliver dialogue in a credible and humorous manner, play up the emotional intensity of their situation while director Marti Lyons pacing makes sure that the plot remains tense and that its final revelations are surprising, even if the performances of the supporting character who deliver them are lackluster and bland."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...Once again the Gift Theatre, that jewel of Jefferson Park’s Arts District, provides a rich, exceptionally well-told tale about real people honestly confronting life-altering choices and dilemmas. Marti Lyons orchestrates this realistic story of self-discovery with care and honesty, allowing the humanity of these five characters to shine forth. While William Nedved’s play seems to deal with a young man wrestling with an Angel, his story is universal. Everyone, at one time or another, is challenged by change and is forced to reinvent himself. With help from a higher power, we all have the strength to stay the course."