On An Average Day Reviews
Chicago Reader- Somewhat Recommended
"...The premise, themes, and characters of John Kolvenbach’s drama call to mind Sam Shepard’s True West, but it’s a pale imitation, lacking Shepard’s humor, ferocity, poetry, and potent blending of pulp and myth. Even if Kolvenbach’s script is derivative, a lifelong sibling rivalry can usually be relied on to produce fireworks. But in Ray Frewen’s staging for Spartan Theatre Company, Andy Monson’s Bob and Patrick Belics’s Jack never seem a significant threat to one another. Even their fistfights feel oddly pro forma."
ChicagoCritic- Highly Recommended
"...Without giving away more plot details, let me say that their story and their reactions to events presented are rendered both plausible and honest given the strong characterizations playwright John Kolvenbach created and Belics and Monson marvelously presented. This is a gem performed in the best traditions of gritty honest ‘Chicago-style’ dramatic theatre."
Chicago Stage and Screen- Somewhat Recommended
"...When the grounded cool and calm of Belics and the live-wire unpredictability of Monson were allowed to truly and honestly deal with each other, Spartan Theatre Company accomplished their goal. They gave the audience a play that stripped away the glitz and show and just gave something to watch, experience, deal with, and learn from. While not a perfect production, this is a company that understands what it means to give the audience something to think about. They are a company that is looking to make theatre an experience on an emotional level, not just spectacle, and a company that I, for one, will be keeping an eye out for in the future."