Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Penniston makes plays well - in that they are carefully structured, really thoughtful dramas that proceed in a traditional, orderly fashion. Nothing wrong with that. But in production, they need a good jolt, a fast-paced interpretation, a touch of the anarchic, that kind of thing. Something to roar them into the richest possible theatrical life."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...It's like an evangelical Odd Couple—her jaw drops at his pro-life views, he can't understand how she hasn't been smitten down for marrying a woman. For the most part, Penniston’s writing is accessible and honest, and no one in this show from Stage Left delivers on it more fully than Kate Black-Spence, whose Irene snarls and swears with enjoyable enthusiasm. But, like its characters, the play wants too badly to impart a higher message, and the realistic dialogue at times gives way to preachy diatribes."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...Penniston never allows her discussion to slide into amen-snorting caricature, nor do director Greg Werstler or his all-star ensemble of actors ever permit their portrayals to stray from respect for their characters' integrity. Don Bender ascertains that Rev. Ed's spontaneous "witnessing," however foreign to urban audiences, always springs from the heart. Kathrynne Wolf's devoted Joann and McKenzie Chinn's pragmatic Paige supply wise counsel to Brian Plocharczyk's repentant Arthur and Kate Black-Spence's inquisitive Irene, making for lively theological debate to engage playgoers of all creeds."
Edge - Recommended
"..."Keys of the Kingdom" is an engaging and thought-provoking new work. The characters could easily devolve into mere stereotypes, but Penniston offers much more than that. Director Greg Werstler adds to the solid script by bringing together a very solid cast, in particular Bender as Ed. Bender portrays Ed as a very real person, never mockingly or as a caricature, giving a very human face to someone whose convictions no one can blithely dismiss."
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...Penniston essentially takes a number of hot-button social issues—gay rights, reproductive choice, addiction treatment and recovery, end-of-life decisions—and throws them in a pot to boil with a stock of megachurch morals and liberal assumptions. That’s not to say Kingdom isn’t engaging—Penniston’s moral arguments are often intellectually solid, even thought-provoking."
Stage and Cinema - Not Recommended
"...Seldom has a play rushed so recklessly to a resolution in reconciliation. The impulse is praiseworthy: It’s redemptive when seemingly polarized people unexpectedly do good to and for each other. But these happy results are utterly bogus without the presumption of free will. Penniston’s manipulative machinery allows not even an illusion of independence. If it takes a miracle to make a lesbian love a Pentecostal, just crank up the wind machine, the portentous music, and flashing blue-and-white lights."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Keys of the Kingdom is a thought-provoking parable that sets up a possibly explosive religious conflict but cleverly trumps all zealotry with basic humanity. The performances are first rate, especially by Brian Plocharczyk and Kate Black-Spence with Don Bender as the charismatic preacher. Keys of the Kingdom presents evangelical extremism honestly yet blends humanism into the equation. As theatre, Keys to the Kingdom is engaging, beautifully written, and nicely staged by director Greg Werstler. It is a wonderful new work and the first "must see"show of 2015. Stage Left Theatre continues their fine work. Don't miss this gem!"
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...Still, it makes the play’s resolution of the issue even more unlikely: a new understanding is going to require a higher level of political discourse: the words “choice” and “life” do not change anybody’s mind. Also, a Deus Ex-Machina as a form of mystical experience in an otherwise realistic play is unconvincing after The Enlightenment. Arthur may not be able to articulate the Christian Faith as eloquently as Irene, despite ascribing to it, but his story is much more convincing as a modern conversion narrative."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...“Keys” falters somewhat in its final third, when Penniston attempts to introduce divine intervention into the narrative (in my view, it interrupted the more interesting earthly matters of the play), but it hardly damages what is, in the end, a very worthwhile and, yes, sincere production."
The Fourth Walsh - Somewhat Recommended
"...KEYS TO THE KINGDOM has the essences for a strong play. It just needs to rely less on overusing the phrase ‘chosen by God’ as the crux for every action. Penniston does introduce an unforgettable religious perspective on the well-known Peter’s betrayal of Jesus. That notion continues to gnaw at me. Also, nod out to Set Designer Andrew Hildner for the special extra touches. Hildner doesn’t stop at a ‘pastor’s meeting area.’ He gives the room the contemporary flourish of a well-funded church. And Lighting Designer John Kohn III impressively lights it up in religious mystery."
NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...Playwright Penny Penniston's "Keys of the Kingdom," currently receiving its world premiere from Stage Left Theatre, doesn't quite walk the line closely enough. Or really, it spends its first half firmly on the arguing side of the line before hoisting itself over onto the conflict side in its second. And once it's over the line, it stays there: Act Two is compelling, empathetic and goosebumpling. However, as Act Two is only about half as long as Act One, the journey to get there is rather arduous."