Lions in Illyria Reviews
Chicago Reader- Recommended
"...It's lots of fun and very silly, and while the plot may be a bit much for young children to follow completely, they should enjoy the story's weirdness. Its wisdom too—Kauzlaric takes care to insert lessons about friendship, love, and the importance of being oneself (even when you're an actor dressed as a lioness disguised as a lion) that feel neither forced nor superfluous."
ChicagoCritic- Somewhat Recommended
"...I appreciate the intention of bringing Shakespeare to a young audience, but besides the story being wrong for K through 2nd graders, Kauzlaric also goes way above their vocabulary. An early joke referencing “complex socio-economic structures” is a good example of not playing on two levels at once. The script also takes a few moments to address the death of Olivia’s and Sir Toby’s brother, but that’s not the kind of thing you can sweep away with just a few lines. The children at the performance I saw weren’t disruptive, but they squirmed around, and after the show I heard many parents trying to convince them they’d enjoyed it. I do think the show could be interesting for an older child, but Lifeline’s outreach or reputation had clearly attracted children from early elementary school. Kids from late elementary school might have engaged enough to change the whole atmosphere."
Splash Magazine- Highly Recommended
"...The sweet spot for this production might be the eight to twelve year old range. Some of the plot twists, as well as the actors playing multiple roles, might confuse some of the younger audience members although my nieces (age four and seven) both greatly enjoyed the play. As for myself, I left the theater impressed with this new, but old, offering."
NewCity Chicago- Highly Recommended
"...There is truly nothing I do not like about this show. If you have children, you should take them to it. If you are still in touch with your inner child, you should take him or her to see this. And even if you’re a grumpy old codger with no connection to children in any way, you should go see this play. It has the fun and feisty attitude of an episode of “The Animaniacs” or the classic “Muppet Show.” It is self-aware without being meta and it makes a centuries old classic story new again."