Anung's First American Christmas presented by Vitalist Theatre at Stage 773

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Elizabeth Carlin-Metz's stultifying staging indulges all the worst aspects of story theater--sing-song presentational line readings, lots of rippling fabric to represent water--and the whole ends up far more irritating than illuminating, despite some enchanting design work by costumer Rachel Sypniewski and puppet/mask creator Tracy Otwell."

Chicago Stage Review - Somewhat Recommended

"...Anung’s First American Christmas is an ambitious attempt at introducing Native American folklore to family audiences. Vitalist Theatre, in association with Premiere Theater & Performance, presents the Ojibway Indian mythology of animal sprit guides and dream catchers within the context of the Christmas story. Although visually exciting, it delivers a dream quest that is so frenetically chaotic, you struggle to follow the story or care about the characters."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended

"...Special effects and costuming are wonderful. Long sheets become raging streams. A larger than life spider lurks around, and a huge dream catcher in the middle of the set is the fulcrum for everything. The problem with "Anung’s First American Christmas" is that it never makes clear whether the entire show is about the Vision Quest or if he just steps into the Vision Quest from some other place. He moves from talking to trees and turtles into the manger where he’s greeted by the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph. The segue doesn’t seem to happen."