King Liz Reviews
Chicago Tribune- Recommended
"...The script itself has a few hiccups and strained moments. But Chuck Smith's pinpoint direction and the strong cast, anchored by Shelley's superstar wattage, deliver a provocative snapshot of the meat-grinder world of professional sports. (Opening the show during the NBA championship series was perhaps an accidental stroke of genius for the Windy City Playhouse crew.)"
Chicago Sun Times- Highly Recommended
"...Ambition, in all its many guises, is key to Fernanda Coppel’s play “King Liz,” now receiving a rip-roaring production at Windy City Playhouse where director Chuck Smith, fresh off his brilliant work on “Objects in the Mirror” at the Goodman Theatre, is demonstrating that he can finesse a complete tonal flip with immense flair."
Chicago Reader- Somewhat Recommended
"...While the underlying theme of Fernanda Coppel's play about how difficult it is for a woman of color to make her way in the corporate world certainly rings true, much of the dialogue sounds like a recitation of stats and figures rather than human interactions. A lot of information is conveyed, often with urgency and at a high volume, but there are rarely any moments to empathize because these are archetypes rather than actual people."
Windy City Times- Recommended
"...Tragedy was once the sole province of gods and kings-individuals endowed with the luxury of choosing their own path, for good or ill. In our secular non-royalist society nowadays, those rising to exalted positions through their own labors are no less vulnerable to crippling hubris, but what rescues them from the excesses of their classical counterparts ( and makes us like them in spite of their mistakes ) is their resiliency in accepting their error and vowing to utilize their second chance more wisely."
Around The Town Chicago- Somewhat Recommended
"...As you can see, the story-line is one that should be worth seeing, but the script tends to have far too much "F word" and other stuff that would have been better left out. Coppel may want to look at this and make a few cuts to improve the ability to let young audiences, who might truly learn from this story, do so. Perhaps during some of the new "Nightcap series" after show discussion groups, patrons will offer feedback that indicates what I am saying. The discussions take place every Wednesday after the performance."
Third Coast Review- Recommended
"...King Liz, the new production at Windy City Playhouse, will make you laugh, make you sigh and make you think, on several levels. Directed by Chuck Smith, the play is the story of Liz Rico, a high-powered female sports agent who runs the NBA division of a top sports agency."
Picture This Post- Recommended
"...This writer urges you to go see King Liz and then help spread the word of its many merits. Its talented actors, writers, and director deserve a larger audience to make the expected standing ovation thunder."
Splash Magazine- Recommended
"...Lanise Shelley is not just a physical knockout; her ferocity and savvy are extremely compelling. Jackie Alamillo is terrific as the assistant/Girl Friday who is waiting very closely in the wings. Eric Gerard, also physically prepossessing, (especially when wrapped in nothing but a low-slung towel) does an outstanding job of morphing from slang-spouting street-tripper to vulnerable pleader. Phillip Edward Van Lear is absolutely believable as the world-weary and worldly-wise coach. Frank Nall is delightfully smarmy as the boss. Caron Buinis has a small part as a TV talk show host, but she’s done her homework in every sense, and pulls off a hit in an on-the-air interview. While an underlying but oft-mentioned theme- that of racial discrimination- really doesn’t ring true in this particular context, what does stir in the consciousness is the underlying sweetness of these oh-so-driven people. The play is well-done, enjoyable and recommended."