Grizzly Mama at Rivendell Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...As I'm sure I've noted many times before, few companies in town center the lives and experiences of teenage girls as well as Rivendell. That holds true in "Grizzly Mama" as well. Both Brant's script and the supple performances of Blim and Ebersberger add bittersweet realistic notes. These two girls who are isolated from their usual worlds for different reasons find solace in each other."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Tara Mallen's Deb is a dim-bulb sad sack who wrecks smartphones when she isn't screwing up a murder attempt. Her teen daughter, Hannah (Taylor Blim), texts so obsessively that she doesn't notice when Deb slips a gas mask over her face. The second act turns tragic, though, requiring Hannah in particular to exhibit characteristics that were never even hinted at earlier on. It doesn't work. The climax comes off as an absurd non sequitur."

Windy City Times - Highly Recommended

"...Megan Carney directs a trio of actors navigating Brant's shivery boundaries between slapstick farce ( high marks to violence designer David Blixt ) and stranded-in-the-woods horror with never a misstep—in particular, Taylor Blim as the textspeaking ( again, a distraction ) Hannah, whose unswerving rationality eventually leaves her no alternative but to take decisive—and fatal—action. Tara Mallen's Deb retains a matronly dignity even in her extremity, and Jenna Ebersberger emerges a suitably clueless rebel-by-expediency, but Blim delves the hidden recesses of her stereotypical persona for intimations of the resolve exercised by youthful conviction. Antigone was a teenager, too, remember.

NewCity Chicago - Not Recommended

"...I find it surprising that the artistic ensemble of Rivendell, an inspiring example of representing women both onstage and off, would choose "Grizzly Mama" to conclude their otherwise personal and moving Body Politic season. As a play, "Grizzly Mama" feels like the embodiment of mansplaining, complete with lack of context, empathy and understanding. Far be it for me to question the meaning this production might have to anyone involved, I am nevertheless perplexed. For while I am always heartened by witnessing and engaging with the stories of women, I believe those stories can, and really should, have greater depth and reach than this."