Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...I saw an early version of this piece back in 2006. It certainly has been polished and sensualized since then, and it is not without appeal. But it still struggles to tell one of Wilde's greatest but most challenging stories, a tale shrouded in throbbing metaphor, shocking symbol and manifest sexual repression. Once it's all a big outre dance party, fun and beautiful as that can sometimes be, the picture of Dorian looks too much like just another digital image."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...For better and for worse, "Dorian," the House Theatre of Chicago's modern adaptation of Wilde's Faust-meets-gothic classic, takes full advantage of our far more sexually open society. As boldly (and brashly) directed and choreographed by Tommy Rapley, and co-written by Rapley and Ben Lobpries, every element of sex, violence, transgressive behavior and artistic decadence becomes far more explicit than Wilde could ever have expected. Their highly charged show uses elaborate, expertly realized dance sequences to simulate sex, both heterosexual and homosexual. In fact, you might easily interpret this production as an unintentional reinforcement of gay life stereotypes."
Centerstage - Highly Recommended
"...The frenetic pace of the production, the beautiful stage pictures, and awesome physical work propel the piece past and through the audience who are standing within inches of the performers thanks to the promenade staging. It is easy to be caught up in the energy of this show, and not miss the omissions from the original tale. Dorian becomes a much more sympathetic character in this play, despite his living a scandalous life and killing two of his friends. The fact that his turn toward his questionable lifestyle can be traced to his heartbreak makes him less of a sociopath. Really, he comes off as just seriously damaged."
- Christopher Kidder-Mostrom
Gapers Block - Recommended
"...This is not a play to attend because you love the writing of Oscar Wilde, notably in his fabulous plays like Lady Windermere's Fan, A Woman of No Importance, Salome, An Ideal Husband, and The Importance of Being Earnest, all written in the 1890s. The Picture of Dorian Gray, his only novel, is complex and challenging--and filled with smart, witty dialogue, but you won't find much of that complexity or dialogue in Dorian."
Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...As usual, the House has some intriguing visual tricks up its sleeve, including a recurring metaphor of barbed wire representing Dorian's offenses. Then there's the portrait itself-here depicted not by a live actor, as it was in the original, but in a series of manipulated photographs by artist Jeff Klapperich, projected in an enormous frame at the focal point of Pollard's set. As arresting as the images are, they're also rather literalist. You could be forgiven for wishing for something more Wilde-ly suggestive."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...A spectacle that swirls and thrills, The House Theatre of Chicago's Dorian has updated Oscar Wilde's classic cautionary tale from Victorian music halls to today's club scene. Their "promenade" production also transforms an ambulatory audience into vintage voyeurs, even stalkers. As they perambulate around the capacious Chopin stage (a seating area is also available), theatergoers, many attractive enough on opening night to be Dorian's cohorts, closely observe Wilde's still-powerful parable of the invisibility of corruption."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...Yet, the over all experience and the impressive atmosphere and the stunning visuals (the changing portraits of Dorian) fueled this unique theatrical experience. Kevin O'Donnell's techno music worked well with Rapley's manic choreography.Dorian proves that often the effects of the whole story telling is superior to the parts. Dorian is lush, modern, sexy, and fun. For something different, Dorian is fine choice."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Tommy Rapley's stellar production is a living entity. It's an exciting, continually moving mass of light, sound and writhing flesh. Rapley has not only created a beautiful, sensual theatrical thriller, especially adapted for today's audiences, but he's directed and choreographed it with great skill, sensitivity and erotic athleticism. As Jeff Klapperich's technically-created portrait continues to erode with Dorian's sins, the audience grows ever aware of the horror evolving from a young man's innocent wish. It's hard to believe that Wilde's Victorian novel, so similar to Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, was created over a hundred years ago. It's impact, as seen in this production, is every bit as powerful today."
The Fourth Walsh - Recommended
"...What I did see was a marveling spectacle. Adapter, director and choreographer Tommy Rapley modernizes Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray." Rapley and Ben Lobpries co-wrote DORIAN, a story about a hot model turned club kid. As Dorian plummets into the superficial world of booze, sex and drugs, his hardcore lifestyle doesn't taint his good looks. He is ageless. His portrait isn't as fortunate. The picture reflects his progressive debauchery."
