Carroll Gardens Reviews
Chicago Tribune- Recommended
"...With the exception of Hurst's Jamie, who gets stuck in the shallow-and-callow end of the pool, all the characters peel back layers, offering us tantalizing peeks at what it has cost them to become who they are now. A flashback to Quinley's childhood home in tiny Rolfe, Iowa, shows that it's not just blue-collar cities such as Stockton that have been gutted by drugs and desperation. Even chipper Deepti, whose Indian parents had a traditional arranged marriage, has challenged her past with her relationship choices."
Chicago Reader- Somewhat Recommended
"...The play raises interesting, important questions about integrity and cultural authenticity, but ultimately dodges them in favor of easier lessons about relationships (be nice, listen) and business (it doesn't mix well with friendship). Director Ann Filmer's fine ensemble is stronger than the script; Gregory Geffrard shows considerable range as the play's conflicted protagonist, as does Minita Gandhi as the sharp-eyed wife of a film professor/wannabe producer."
Buzznews.net- Recommended
"...Fisher captures a great deal of conflict and nuance in her performance, and is able to wrest an equal position in the play to Geffard and Lutz. Joanna Iwanicka has supplied the 16th St with another fine, naturalistic set, which, with just a few touches, suggests a converted space being occupied by people whose income is being almost entirely eaten up by their rent. Would that Williams had left just a few more details to his other collaborators, but what he has written is respectable, and the inaugural production is an ideal telling of the story."
NewCity Chicago- Highly Recommended
"..."Carroll Gardens" uses issues of class, education and gentrification to explore what it means to grow up versus grow apart. It's a modern story of friendship that challenges what to hold onto and what-or who-needs to be let go."