Circumference Of A Squirrel at The Greenhouse Theater Center

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...Walch intersperses cutesy lecture sequences on squirrels, including an observation that their name derives from Socrates' description of a squirrel as "he who sits in the shadow of his own tail." Even when Walch's story gets a little too circular for its own good, Allan's performance makes us root for Chester to figure out how to stop chasing his own tail and step into the center of his own life."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...It shouldn't be too difficult to portray a man so toxically anti-Semitic that his own son ultimately delights in his grisly death, but playwright John Walch bungles it. In this one-man show, Chester, the son, spends the first half hour quirkily detailing his father's hatred of squirrels, and his own childhood delight in hatching plots to kill the rodents in abundant numbers."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...Allan’s performance as not only Chester but a whole host of additional characters is quite marvelous. Walch’s script requires a broad range and quick transitions—from farce to tragedy and back again in a flash—and Allan is able to turn those emotional corners on a dime. He’s also, at some very basic level, simply the kind of actor with whom it is pleasant to spend time with as an audience member, a quality that’s all too easily overlooked. Even when Chester is at his most self-loathing and miserable, Allan himself remains fine company."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...As the 75 minute drama unfolds, we see Will Allan sinking in to hatred that becomes rage as things happen to his father. This performance was honest and heartfelt. Allan demonstrates his depth as an actor as he moves from cute, humorous memories of his youth to the self loathing and rage-filled reaction to his father's demise. Circumference Of A Squirrel's only reason to be mounted is to show off Will Allan's acting chops. The play is a downer with little humor and a negative resolve. Too bad they didn't find a more worthy script for Allan! It is my belief that the best formula for solo shows calls for: one, a terrific actor; two, a engaging script; three, the character should be either a historical character or a celebrity. Think Churchill or Rose or Give 'em Hell, Harry! Here only Will Allan's fine performance makes Circumference Of A Squirrel worth seeing."

Around The Town Chicago - Recommended

"..."Circumference of a Squirrel", the Greenhouse Solo Celebration! Series finale, a one-man show featuring Will Allan, is a young man's rant blaming his father for all of his problems. I'm sure his father had a certain amount of culpability for his son's woes, but many, if not most, of his problems were his own fault. Will Allan's wonderful performance just couldn't make up for the script's lack of originality."