Omniscience at Second Stage Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...Heckman's production is similarly mixed. Most plays of this type contain dangerous figures in business suits, corporate-speaking, and this one is no exception. Christine Gatto and Brian Plocharczyk are stuck mostly with that one dimension. But although the muddy and slow-moving second act can't maintain either the suspense or the stakes of the story, Krebsbach and Dean both have their decent moments."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Carlson does a clever, plausible job of evoking the euphemistic vocabulary of a corporate, invasively paternalistic government with a war it wants to seem to be winning. But his tale of traumatized veteran Anna and her husband, ace documentarian Warren, runs into trouble in a long second act lacking forward momentum. Director Kevin Heckman and a solid cast make much of the confined playing area."

Chicago Free Press - Somewhat Recommended

"...Director Kevin Heckman takes a good whack at this ambitious material with the help of video designer Victor Holstein but some of the footage even includes war-documentary footage. That’s a bit of overreaching for this black-box company with a small budget. The combat doesn’t really engage. Furthermore, excepting the doublespeak dialogue, nothing much looks or feels sufficiently different in the future society of NorthWestOne."

Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...Heckman’s production is handsome, with competent video work by Victor Holstein and nuanced performances from Krebsbach and Gatto. Dean, however, overplays the crazy. Like Carlson’s play, she’s a little too earnest and a little too much."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...This is a well acted play. I especially like the work of Cat Dean and Cory A. Krebsbach. The use of video intertwined with live actors added dramatic tension as it served the production well."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...Overall, the play went by fast as you were engaged not only with the actors but the assets of the film that the actors were able to communicate with in some scenes. Many theaters are taking advantage of their opportunities to use their free speech in a revolutionary manner to depict the destruction and consequences war brings. "Omniscience" is an interesting look at a not so favorable topic and is worth seeing unfold and piece together."