How We Got On presented by Haven Theatre Company at The Den Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...There are no huge twists or major revelations from the characters, no "School of Rock" public-performance triumphant finale. Instead, what Goodwin builds here, with the sensitive assistance of McLeod and her admirably in sync cast, is both a nostalgic snapshot of a cultural phenomenon about to go mainstream in a big way, and of kids who know that they've got something to say — if only they can weave together the beats and the words that will get the world to listen."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...The message came through to bedroom suburbia, far from the jungle that make you wonder how you keep from going under. Idris Goodwin's How We Got On, set in a dull midwestern nowhere place called the Hill, tells the story of the hip-hop generation from an out-of-the-way perspective. It remembers the regionalism that would necessitate trips (pilgrimages!) to New York (mecca!) just to hear the hard-looping sounds and funky-fresh rhymes of rap-a thing as strange to imagine now as it would have been then, in '88, that three decades later rap could inspire salubrious theatrical entertainment."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...The trio’s sweet coming-of-age narrative is given a beat by a DJ referred to as Selector (Angela Alise), a kind of benevolent spirit of hip-hop who literally watches over them in Jess McLeod’s winsome production for Haven Theatre. If the story is modest, it’s still infectious, and a strong introduction to a clutch of highly talented young actors worth watching."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...How We Got On is a poetic firework, and deserves to one day have all the money and space that the theater world can lavish on it. Right now, however, it is well-served by small, truthful productions like this one, which showcase young actors and bring attention to this seldom-told part of history."

The Fourth Walsh - Recommended

"...McLeod's spirited ensemble fill this stage with personality. At the core of this tale is the friendship between Tevion Lanier (Hank) and Johnathan Nieves (Julian). Lanier plays the hard-working music geek. And Nieves is the cocky hotshot. The rivals turned collaborators is a charming bromance. Then add in the spunky Ireon Roach (Luann) and this show is just tight. The threesome effortlessly go into poetic face-offs or big musical numbers. The show is upbeat, uplifting and unexpectedly poignant. In one scene, Nieves raps with passionate angst. When Lanier places his hand on Nieves' shoulder, tears run down my face."

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...On a serious note: This is a play that young people of color need right now more than ever. Furthermore, it serves as a reminder that this is the kind of tale that generations of black and brown kids (such as the characters in this play) have not had due to lack of access or lack of existence. It's a play that speaks to a good many of the eternal truths of youth but is also firmly and unapologetically rooted in a culture that many parts of our country still chooses not to respect."