Crumble (Lay Me Down Justin Timberlake) presented by Jackalope Theatre Company at Broadway Armory

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...I was repulsed by this Jackalope Theatre production of Sheila Callaghan's dark comedy. Not in the sense of feeling queasy or disgusted--though those might be reasonable responses to a tale in which a maiming seems to put things right. No, I mean I felt pushed away by it. I kept bouncing off its coy, faux-naive surface. If you know Noah Haidle's Mr. Marmelade, you've got the general gist and feel of Callaghan's 2005 one-act."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...Callaghan's 2005 work might be a touch too clever for its own good, but director AJ Ware's Jackalope Theatre Company production matches it at every turn. Megan Truscott's shabby-not-chic scenic design is tricked out with all kinds of gee-whiz surprises, and Thomas Dixon's ever-creaking sound design adds to the creep factor. Ware's production also includes some actual magic tricks, designed by Brett Schneider; suffice it to say that of course fantasy versions of Harrison Ford and Justin Timberlake would be able to fly. Magee makes for an effectively creepy kiddo, but it's Parker's antically agile embodiment of the Apartment that gives the production its structure. He's an edifice with artifice."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...The holidays are NOT wonderful for many. There is too much pain, too many memories, and loved ones are missing from the holiday table. And the first half of Crumble (Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake) is mysterious and frustrating introduction to a collection of characters who are miserable, obviously adrift with grief one year after a holiday accident. But playwright Sheila Callaghan’s text and AJ Ware’s keen direction – matched with fine performances and some theatrical cunning – bring the evening into a clear and powerful focus."

The Fourth Walsh - Somewhat Recommended

"...I can imagine how CRUMBLE could be produced sillier. Callaghan’s goofy characters might easily appear in a Wes Anderson film. Yet, Ware keeps it real. He showcases the complexities of the characters beneath their odd ticks. Ware turns Callaghan’s whimsy into cotton candy with chunks of dark chocolate. I’m not sure I love the combination but the taste is undeniably unique."