Our Bad Magnet presented by Mary-Arrchie Theatre at Angel Island Theater

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...The shifting dynamic among the three is intricate and subtly wrought in this production from Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co. and director Carlo Lorenzo Garcia, which is a remount from 2008 with nearly the same cast but for the role of Giggles, who we only see in flashback, played with a precise sense of alienation by Lane Flores as a boy with a fervid imagination that offers an escape from his miserable reality."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...Director Carlo Lorenzo Garcia and Mary-Arrchie Theatre staged a well-received production of Douglas Maxwell's play in 2008. Now they've revived it, and the result is, oh, say, seven-eighths—maybe even fifteen-sixteenths—of a very fine show."

Stage and Cinema - Recommended

"...Director Carlo Lorenzo Garcia has meticulously mapped out the play’s topography, especially the contrast between exuberant fairy tales and the gritty ground that nurtures them. The Scottish accents can be a burr too many, but the play’s ties that break are all our moments of truth."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...As strong as the returning three are, Lane Flores steals his scenes as the troubled genius Giggles. This fascinating play is part fable-like storytelling, part coming-of-age drama, and part mystery. The ensemble acting was terrific. For a well done off-beat drama with ample humor, Our Bad Magnet delivers."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"... Many Chicago theater-goers know of the wonderful work that is done bt the Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company up at their Angle Island home on Sheridan and Broadway, but many more, not so. That is a shame and is something that can be corrected. Back in 2008, this company has a wonderful production of “Our Bad Magnet” by Douglas Maxwell. I confess, I was unable to review that production due to some other situations, so the fact that they are remounting this to begin their 29th season, is something that i am thankful for."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...Once again Mary-Arrchie demonstrates why they’re one of the best-kept secrets among the Chicago storefront theatres. With excellence that goes back to 1986, productions, such as this, demand to be revived and enjoyed anew. Douglas Maxwell’s exquisite play takes four boys from a small, coastal town in Scotland and lays open their childhood and adolescence, revealing all the secrets and ambitions that eventually made them adults. Most reunions don’t offer as much dark humor and aren’t as tormented or filled with anguish as this one, but then most homecomings don’t unlock as many mysteries as this play. With this bad magnet, opposites surely attract."