Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...This show is exceptionally well cast — I don't say that lightly here — with a truly delicious performance from Eddie Jemison (whom you might recall from the movie "Waitress") and whose resting face is a smile. That's especially great because his character, Vanya, hardly ever smiles. As Dr. Aster, you've got Philip R. Smith, rapidly becoming the John Slattery of Chicago theater, and very funny throughout, in the saddest of ways. As the Professor — a pompous boob — one finds a rare Chicago appearance by Jim Ortlieb, long of "Billy Elliot," who is similarly hilarious as he prattles on about stuff that nobody really cares about. Barbara E. Robertson and Penelope Walker essay the eccentrics of the bunch, if that is not a redundancy."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Do not let the obviously hip, conventionally vulgar title of Aaron Posner’s play dissuade you from seeing “Life Sucks,” now receiving its Midwest premiere in a glorious Lookingglass Theatre production impeccably directed by Andrew White, who has gathered a cast of seven exceptional actors."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...Chekhov didn't create villains. He loved his characters enough to allow them to behave foolishly, as we all do in life. Posner respects that profound sense of the human comedy, but imbues it with such a light touch that you wouldn't know it was Chekhov, unless you knew it was Chekhov."
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...As in Vanya, the plot moves at a leisurely pace, mostly because these characters are world-class thinkers, talkers and kvetchers, but rank amateurs at actually doing stuff. The play is chock-full of funny, absorbing diatribes against subjects such as exercise, sexual longing, and the ability for (or curse of) abstract thought. His characters, especially Jemison's explosive Vanya, are experts at saying just the right thing to piss each other off. Director Andrew White treats the play and his first-rate cast like a group of jazz musicians. Everyone takes their turn, responds in kind, and feeds off the same collective spark."
Stage and Cinema - Somewhat Recommended
"...Chekhov, of course, needs no dumbed-down contemporizing: The good doctor never imposed gratuitous suffering on his vulnerable melancholiacs. Caught in the act of living, Chekhov’s seven souls never hector us about whether life sucks or not. They’re too busy living it–with unsought authenticity and enforced loneliness. The Russian master’s truth-telling puts to shame Posner’s patronizing Life Sucks and his 12-steppe support group."
ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended
"...But, for me the style, the length, and foul language, together with too many angst-filled speeches simply didn’t engage me. The constant negative whining eventually bored me and I lost much of the humor with the poor projection. But, I’m sure many will think Life Sucks is a funny work that has much to say. This play is a ‘love it or hate it’ work. Once the players speak louder, it will engage more audience members. I guess, I just too much of a ‘don’t mess-with-Chekhov’ believer to fully appreciate Aaron Posner’s interpretation."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Let me preface this review by advising that if you are unfamiliar with Chekov’s “Uncle Vanya”, you may find yourself a bit lost with this modern -day re-imaginining by Aaron Posner ( who has done other older pieces of literature as well ). Many may recall the recent production at Steppenwolf of his “Stupid F*#king Bird”. If you enjoyed that work, you will absolutely LOVE this one."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Aaron Posner's latest adaptation of another of Chekov's works feels fresh and new, although its characters and story reach back to the late nineteenth century. It's a far more streamlined play and it speaks eloquently to modern audiences with wit, humor and honesty. This is a magical opening production for this company's 29th season, which, if it's any indication, promises to be another thoroughly entertaining and enlightening year."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"....“Life Sucks” gives Chekhov fans and newcomers alike a fresh exposure to the Russian’s great play. It may not be Chekhov’s script but it’s Chekhov’s spirit. He always insisted that his plays were essentially comedies, and the Lookingglass staging has lots of legitimate laughs, even outside the shtick intrusions. The play explores questions of love, loneliness, happiness, and life’s purpose with sympathy, wit, and even some profundity. And production is to die for."
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...Throughout the show, the spunky Barbara Robertson (Babs) and the whimsical Penelope Walker (Pickles) bring opposite degrees of comedic relief. A blunt Robertson addresses issues with 'no judgment.' She hints at questionable past decisions that have taught her how to 'move on.' Robertson serves as a colorful sage encouraging others to pursue the adventure. Walker, on the other hand, injects an innocence into this troubled make-shift family. She brings a bouncy excitement over a nature walk or knitted hand puppets."
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...Life Sucks is Posner's sort-of adaptation of Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, that often-performed masterpiece in which members of the rural bourgeoisie loll about, falling in love with the wrong people and longing to change their miserable lives. What is the play about? Love, longing and loss, as the characters tell us in their prologue. The basic elements of the human condition."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"....“Life Sucks” is one of the best contemporary adaptations I’ve seen of any play. It’s authentic to the source material, but it also has a sense of originality of its own. Chekov’s work is tailored to a more highly-educated class of the theatergoing public, whereas Posner’s work is something everyone can connect with. His play tells the same story, retaining the intellectual wit, but he also enhances Chekov’s piece in a universal and humorous way."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Playfully directed and skillfully acted, “Life Sucks” is resplendent in its delight for words. Posner drops acorns of wisdom about self-perception, fulfillment, treadmills and unrequited love as he wanders the forest of loneliness, angst and revulsion."
