Next Thing You Know presented by Refuge Theatre Project at The Den Theatre

Chicago Reader - Not Recommended

"...Apart from "Hung Over"-as in hung over from one's 20s-a number that finally allows the characters some playfulness and charm, the show is a mess of one-liners and cramped conceptions of both genders. The creators would do well to scrap the whole thing-save that song-and rebuild from the bottom up. This time taking into consideration the broad spectrum of that little thing called human emotion."

ChicagoCritic - Not Recommended

"..."Next Thing You Know" could easily be about any group of upper-middle class white twenty-somethings from any generation. Let it be clear: it would be fantastic to see an inclusive musical that speaks to the struggles of twenty and thirty-somethings today, an underemployed population that is and will continue to deal with new struggles and complications as time goes on. However, "Next Thing You Know" is not that play. It speaks broadly, generically, and, ultimately, to very few."

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...New theatre companies need to be congratulated for taking a chance in this highly competitive theatrical market and encouraged to always try, try again. With their first production, Refuge Theater Project makes a decent showing, although with a stronger, better-written musical, they’ll come off smelling more like a really beautiful rose than an artificial, paper flower."

Splash Magazine - Recommended

"...Though it's over-directed in places and ill-served by the larger than needed set design, "Next Thing You Know" is actually a really admirable show that is definitely worth checking out, especially considering that this is Refuge Theatre Project's first production ever. The score is so appealing and much of the cast is so strong that it more than compensates for the some of this production's minor flaws. Plus you can't be seeing theatre for only $15."

NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...Any story, in order to be successful, has to have something at stake, and the stakes themselves have to be high enough to make us care. The conflict of this play hinges on whether Waverly (Morgan Glynn Briggs) and Darren (Taylor Okey) will get back together after breaking up due to a misunderstanding over a non-event. Further complication is added because Waverly must decide whether to accept a full-time job or not. Throughout director Ross Egan’s spare staging, one gets the idea that we’re supposed to be pulling for these two. However, the break-up of these insipid wannabe adults seems to make more sense than anything else in the play. In fact, Waverly’s rebound relationship with Luke (Jameson Wentworth) holds more interest and promise. Real potential for conflict is there. Unfortunately, that is not the tale being told. Eventually, predictably, Waverly and Darren reunite in what may be the most appropriately unremarkable ending to a forgettable modern musical."