Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"..."East of Eden" is by no means an easy novel to contain on any stage. Yet you'll never see a more credible onstage childbirth than the one here where Arrington's Cathy gives birth, aided by Guinan's Samuel. The lighting in this production — by David Weiner — is similarly exceptional, often bathing the characters in illumination as potentially celestial as it is Californian. "East of Eden" is full of such thunderous metaphors; to render them with such humanity, live and in person, is no easy task."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Watch as John Steinbeck’s decidedly tragic 20th century Biblical story, “East of Eden,” unspools on the stage of Steppenwolf Theatre — the opening salvo in the company’s 40th anniversary season — and you will witness the implosion of one of the more feverishly emotional, deeply dysfunctional families on the American literary landscape."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Still, there are some extraordinary performances, especially among the darker roles. Kate Arrington keeps Cathy unnervingly inscrutable for two full acts, allowing just enough disclosure as she builds toward her final moment. Aaron Himelstein presents both the dynamism and suffering of self-knowledge as Caleb. Brittany Uomoleale and Francis Guinan constitute rare oases of delight in supporting roles. I was particularly sorry when Guinan's Sam Hamilton, a kind of Irish Zen master, dropped from the narrative."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...As in 1990's Grapes of Wrath ( another Galati-Steppenwolf adaptation of a Steinbeck classic ), the 10-member cast exhibits ensemble acting at its most exemplary—but look for Stephen Park to carry the day with his stereotype-free portrayal of Lee, the Trask's philosophical Chinese major-domo, whose significance gradually blossoms from that of humble servant to nothing less than the conscience of full-blown epic myth."
Gapers Block - Somewhat Recommended
"...Steppenwolf's East of Eden adaptation is epic, beautifully rendered, and filled with some memorable performances. But the script by Frank Galati -- the Northwestern alumnus who put Steppenwolf on the map in 1988 with his adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath -- feels like an extended "Previously, on East of Eden" highlight reel. In an attempt to cram as much of Steinbeck's novel as possible into three hours, it loses sight of the real meat of the story, the relationship between two rival brothers and their father."
Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...Conflicts are declared without ever being demonstrated: We get to Act III and Caleb is moping about his father favoring Aron, though we’ve not seen any such indication; Abra declares her romantic feelings have switched from Aron to Cal with nothing presented onstage to suggest as much. It’s as if 90 percent of the physical and emotional action in Steinbeck’s novel takes place offstage. Steinbeck alluded with a heavy hand to the sin of Cain killing Abel, but Galati’s adaptation commits the cardinal sin of boring its audience to death."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Now cometh Steppenwolf Theatre’s three-hour stage version by company member (and two-time Tony-winner) Frank Galati. Monumentally helmed by theater co-founder Terry Kinney, it’s a grand parable of disobedience and reconciliation. Set in the breadbasket Salinas valley between 1900 and 1918, the dialogue veers from shockingly direct to baroquely sententious, sometimes within the same speech. But, marinating in insistent significance, the oracular action often rises to Old Testament occasions. If America is its own “genesis,” we’re present at a suitably epic creation. The birth of sin in an agricultural Eden triggers a family dysfunction and sibling rivalry that feel as familiar as they’re archetypal."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Unabashedly mythical and melodramatic, the play is still much more tightly focused than the novel, which occasionally makes its themes a little mystifying. But in terms of acting, language, and story-telling, Steppenwolf's East of Eden is an impressive accomplishment."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...Steinbeck wrote the book to his sons shortly after his divorce from his second wife, which may explain his vitriolic portrayal of its female antagonist. The book's musings on good and evil, nature and nurture and love and hate still resonate today. However, its soap-operatic plot twists and broad characterizations have not aged well. Galati and director Terry Kinney wisely opt to underplay these elements in favor of plumbing the human depths of the characters and exploring the themes with almost ritualistic rigor. This makes for a compelling and engaging dialogue that loses some of the melodrama (though certainly not all) of other adaptations. It also unspools at a measured pace that might not appeal to those who prefer more plot-driven narratives."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...It is difficult to believe, but Steppenwolf Theatre is celebrating 40 years of bringing fabulous productions to its stage. 40 years ago, they began with John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” as adapted by Company Member, Frank Galati ( my high school bud from 1959/1960) and now they are doing his new adaptation of Steinbeck’s “East of Eden”, making its World Premiere. What a magnificent production!"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Forty years ago this excellent, Tony Awarded theatre company perfected the ensemble style of acting. Today, with Frank Galati’s excellent, moving and poetic adaptation of John Steinbeck’s epic novel, audiences will find that same excellence to be just as powerful. Under Terry Kinney’s sophisticated, sensitive direction, ten talented actors bring this literary classic to life in a way that will not only entertain and enlighten, but is bound to inspire new readers not already familiar with this great novel. Based upon the Book of Genesis, this is a production of true Biblical proportions."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Recommended
"...The Steppenwolf production is well mounted by director Terry Kinney and Galati’s adaptation touches the larger points of the narrative after the story moves to California. But the storytelling rarely digs beneath the surface, moving from incident to incident until the final scenes where the tortured Caleb has a reconciliation meeting of sorts with his ailing father. The bedside meeting possibly purges the surviving twin of his guilt complex, allowing him to get on with his life. The scene was fraught with emotion but I was unmoved when I should have had the lump in my throat when I read the final pages of the novel."
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...Steppenwolf uses all the right stuff to turn John Steinbeck's sprawling novel into an engaging play. Adapter Frank Galati whittles down the complicated family drama and pulls out the essential nuggets. His lean script keeps the action moving but never sacrifices essential story elements. In the masterful hands of Director Terry Kinney, the pace is tight with seamless transitions. Scenic Designer Walt Spangler aids the fluidity with his movable and versatile scenery. The Trask home spins around to take us inside. A whorehouse pops up from below the stage. Spangler establishes location quickly and effectively. And to reinforce the characters' longing for a different life, live cello (Kyra Saltman) and harp music (Ben Melsky) play from a side box."
Splash Magazine - Recommended
"...This is not my favorite Steppenwolf show, but admittedly "East of Eden" is also not my favorite Steinbeck novel. I find the metaphors all too obvious and even hokey in places. Yet even I found myself amazed by how wonderful this adaptation is overall. It still needs work, but its strengths are greater than its flaws, which is more than I can say for most new plays. Steinbeck fans will truly love it, while others will find a few things to truly admire. It's a lengthy production though, spanning a little over 3 hours, so don't come tired or expecting a high-energy production."
