Chalk presented by Sideshow Theatre Company at Victory Gardens Theater - Biograph

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"..."Chalk" does have an interesting design from Megan Truscott, and, for sure, represents brave work on all sides. The issue, dramaturgically, is that there is no normal here to contrast with all the craziness. Not only do we have the brain-munching demon, but mom lives inside a chalk circle at the end of the world with all other humans dead. In other words, there is no particular reason to get the core of Cora back, or for us to care about its return."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Walt McGough's new "sci-fi fable" recalls everything from Invasion of the Body Snatchers to The Devil and Daniel Webster. But fantasy thrills aren't the point. Neither is the obvious addiction metaphor. This 65-minute one-act is powered first and foremost by its fraught mother-daughter relationship. (Well, mother-daughter-alien.) Though the script falls into confusion at times, McGough generally makes smart use of his black-comic premise. So does director Megan A. Smith, whose Sideshow Theatre production features engagingly off-balance performances by Kathleen Akerley and Nina O'Keefe."

Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...O'Keefe's herky-jerky physical performance is tiring just to watch, though it's nice to see something very different from this fine actor (who'll be back at Victory Gardens later this summer in a much more delicate role in the remount of Sideshow's Stupid Fucking Bird). Akerley's unstinting calm, though, comes across as flat as the two go literally 'round and 'round. With so many repeated arguments, Chalk feels like a one-act padded out to reach (barely) full-length."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...Is the possession a monster or a metaphor for the human daemons we all possess? This sci-fi fable deals with the power of motherhood and the human spirit. Our internal possessions can overcome our external ones with the power of a loving mother. Chalk is a worthy theatrical experience deftly performed by Akerley and O'keefe."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended

"...The logic behind the world Walt McGough has created in Chalk leaves a lot to be desired. This mother/daughter story has some touching moments but is unable to capitalize on the inherent dramatic stakes of a post-apocalyptic world. But thanks to strong performances, gorgeous design, and a director capable of squeezing tension out of a cardboard box, there are still many moments that will have you on the edge of your seat."

Around The Town Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...The world premiere of ensemble member Walt McGough's intense sci-fi fable digs deep into issues of motherhood, responsibility and possession of all kinds."

The Fourth Walsh - Recommended

"...Still, this CHALK is captivating. It draws a line around a mother’s love. And then gets us to continually wonder what needs to happen for Akerley to step out of her comfort zone."