Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...There are moments when humanity pierces this slightly overcooked style—most notably in Murphy’s very fine lead performance, notable not least for its brilliant physicalization of a simple physical deformity. There is a real heartbeat there, and a yearning soul that one ultimately embraces."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...In Martin McDonagh's comedy, staged here by Ireland's Druid ensemble, a gimpy kid slips out of his stifling Irish village, makes it to Hollywood, and then returns. Some of the humor is enjoyably dark, the authentic Irish accents sell themselves, and the super-stagey blocking gets less distracting after a while."
Centerstage - Not Recommended
"...I’ll refrain from enumerating this production’s shortcomings any further. It’s not a task I take any pleasure in. Suffice it to say: there are many astounding productions and performances happening in Chicago over the coming weeks. I wholeheartedly encourage you to go see one of them and avoid The Cripple of Inishmaan."
Chicago Stage Review - Highly Recommended
"...McDonagh telegraphs the spellbinding humor and drama of The Cripple of Inishmaan like a Western Union message and yet the audience receives the news as if we are winning the Irish Sweepstakes. Chicago Shakespeare Theater delivers a resplendent gift to the city with this international theatrical treasure. Do Not Miss this rare opportunity to witness a completely beguiling melancholic masterpiece!"
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"... Director Hynes allows The Cripple ample space to display its ambiguities, turning what could be a mere dramatic mechanism into a strange and haunting experience. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better staging of this play."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...The Cripple of Inishmaan peels away the sense of sentimentality and folksy image of rustic Ireland with the petty cruelty and narrow-mindedness. The play is fine Irish storytelling with a hint of absurdity and loads of heart. The cast of Irish actors were amazing – especially Tadhg Murphy as Billy and Dermot Crowley as JohnnyPateenMike. It is so refreshing to witness a terrific cast so deeply inhabiting their characters. Kudos to Chicago Shakespeare Theater for bring such amazing work from Ireland. This show is a “must see.” Hurry, this show only runs until March 27, 2011 in Chicago!"
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...Unlike that 1999 production, this Irish troupe refuses to soft-pedal the play’s evil remarks about cripples deserving their deformities. The bullies in the audience unwittingly revealed their loyalties by the mean things they laughed at, like co-conspirators. In any case our sensibilities need no such protection. Not for hope-driven folks or any sentimental souls, this 150-minute hatefest is a misanthrope’s delight. Its chief failure remains an utter lack of heart. But, alas, it’s equally impossible to dismiss its indictment of human pettiness."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...This is a story that has deep meaning and while it shows small town people as undereducated, almost simpletons, it also shows that knowing who you are and your relationship with others is of great importance. The aunts who raised Billy, love him in a way that is close to how a parent feels about a child. The locals are very real people and gossip in a small town or community does become one of the more important items in conversations."
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"...The Cripple of Inishmaan is nothing less than a slalom run of emotional and plot twists and turns. Druid’s cast hugs every curve like Olympians, belying the axiom that it’s the people who know you who can be the most ruthless about your failings and shortcomings—and yet, compassion and caring also emerge from the most unexpected places. McDonagh mocks Flaherty’s condescending fiction about simple and rugged Irish folk, but just as paradoxically celebrates the human power to create fiction in the face of harsh and banal reality. “A man who can’t lie is as dumb as a horse,” my Irish American mother once told me. You’ll find none of those here in this play."
