With or Without Wings at A Red Orchid Theatre

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Girten's physical and vocal energy as she portrays a gallery of fellow students, family members, teachers, and medical professionals belies her condition, but it's her vinegary sense of humor and unblinking self-awareness that make this show more than just a feel-good, carpe-diem homily."

Centerstage - Recommended

"...Under Larry Grimm's steady direction, Girten's idiosyncratic sense of humor, her vivid impressions and her lively, empathetic demeanor shine. From her gleeful rendition of Annie's "Tomorrow" (it sounds like classic one-woman show self-indulgence, but she makes it work), to the doctor's-visit-turned-game-show in which she receives her heartbreaking diagnosis, Girten is at once proud and self-deprecating, a delight to watch."

Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...Girten the writer, though, waits too long to make the case that her story is unique; anecdotes about acting school and wry jokes about her home state of Ohio are amusing but don’t justify a solo show. Yet when she homes in on her experience with multiple sclerosis, describing the odd symptoms she started to exhibit in grad school and her state of denial about the problem, Girten demonstrates an empathic ability to convey what the mysterious neurological condition feels like from inside. Restructuring the material to introduce this element of Girten’s narrative earlier in the show would sharpen its focus and make these Wings really hum."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...As someone who has seen and greatly enjoyed a number of shows with physically challenged performers over the years, I was excited to give this one a try. I was not, however, expecting the caliber of performance that I saw. A Red Orchid is a Category 1 Equity house and With or Without Wings is a first-rate show that fits the category. With all of the recent success of Chicago productions I really think that this show has the wings to fly anywhere."