J.B. presented by Chicago Fusion Theatre at Oracle Theatre

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...The cast of Emma Peterson's detailed, passionate staging deliver MacLeish's dense poetry with clarity and power, wedding the language to a harrowingly visceral physicality. Jason Economus is breathtaking as J.B. Sandy Elias’s God and Virginia Marie’s Satan balance compassion and irony in their philosophical debates about the human condition. Lighting designer Lindsey Lyddan transforms the tiny playing area into a mysterious dreamscape, and the masks and makeup created by Scott Schoonover and Valerie Vanderkolk enhance the show's eerie, Fellini-esque expressionism."

Centerstage - Somewhat Recommended

"...Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright Archibald MacLeish raises all kinds of provocative questions in his 1959 drama. And although he offers no answers, there are enough ideas to spark an evening of interesting post-show discussion. It is unfortunate, however, that Chicago Fusion Theatre's high-powered production masks so much of MacLeish's philosophies and debates behind a cacophony of voice and movement. Instead of trusting in the play's beautiful language, Emma Peterson has directed her company of eager, young actors to go to the extreme."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...As an agent of death takes J.B.’s last child, for instance, the ensemble chatters things like “Too much! Too much!” and “Now that’s just overkill.” Nothing takes one out of MacLeish’s lyrical, carefully measured verse like hearing actors speak as themselves."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Not Recommended

"...Chicago Fusion Theatre had its heart in the right place, but the production had no sense of purpose or cohesion. There were several styles of acting happening in the same scene, and none of them were appropriate for such an intimate space. There was too much overacting and yelling, in lieu of making a genuine connection to the character and material. The press release stated the production "uses physical movement to enhance the high emotional stakes". Ultimately, the movement felt unmotivated, tacked on, and slowed down the already lengthy play."

Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended

"...Oscar Wilde once said, “The critic has to educate the public; the artist has to educate the critic.” Well, Chicago Fusion Theatre Company has educated me. Indeed, they have schooled me and wowed me with their production of this long forgotten masterpiece. By celebrating their achievement, I celebrate a city in which a small theater company will take a chance on a difficult play like this and boldly, fully, humanely realize it."