Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"... The Den Theatre production, directed by Ryan Martin, too often feels as languid as the humid Mississippi Delta town where it's set. Eve Rydberg's neurasthenic Alma starts out so highly strung that there isn't enough room for the tension to increase as it should. Josh Odor as the debauched doc has offhanded charm, but he doesn't seem to really crave exposure to the better angels of Alma's nature as the script demands."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...The creative team demonstrates a worthy vision and an understanding of the text even when the execution stalls. With time and attention to elements such as casting, dialects, and pacing, the Den could be a company to watch."
Centerstage - Somewhat Recommended
"...Tennessee Williams’ plays are an actor’s dream, as even the most minor characters carry an indelible weight and a host of personal demons. Summer and Smoke is no different: though Alma and John dominate in terms of stage time, the fictional town of Glorious Hill is rife with colorful citizens. Despite its many issues, The Den Theatre’s production – only the second for the new company – finds strength in its distinguished cast. Watching Rydberg’s nearly flawless performance, it’s hard to believe Williams would want Alma any other way."
Gapers Block - Highly Recommended
"...The play is emotionally wrought, passionate and deeply expressed through Rydberg and Odor's connection. Both actors have become immersed in their roles: Alma, a woman who never concedes to her passions, and John, a man, who can do anything but. True to form, the greatest loves are the most difficult to get off the ground, and Alma and John spend on hot summer navigating their relationship through highs and lows. It's truly a heartbreaking and deeply emotional bond, which is built effectively through detailed direction and deliberate spatial organization of the set."
Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...As Alma pines and John lusts, not a whole lot else happens until an unlikely tragedy that sends both in opposite directions: John reforms himself, while Alma gives in to physical pleasures. Ryan Martin’s large supporting cast can’t seem to agree on the tenor of the production, some teetering into broad comedy. But Rydberg and Odor have a palpable chemistry at the play’s center; you can feel the summer heat between them."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...The Den brings this seldom-seen play to life admirably. Rydberg and Odor are fantastic leading players, and everyone else on stage is also very strong. The sets and costumes are well done, the lighting good –the production quality as sturdy as one could ask. They clearly have a budget, and they clearly have the imagination to use that budget to the best of their ability. The folks at The Den also know how theatre should be watched –with one or two drinks in you: there’s a bar with snacks, coffee, beer, and wine. After all, going to a play sober is like having sex with a condom: it’s a close facsimile to the other act, but it’s still a pale representation. (Which is not to say, of course, that one shouldn’t go to a play if sober, etc.) It’s a nice space, with nice people helping you, and some great theatre to boot."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...As mentioned before this marks the Den Theatre’s second main stage production, and as they grow and mature as a theatre company I believe the small kinks that hold up their productions will smooth out. But for the time being, “Summer and Smoke” does in fact pack a punch, but sometimes the punch thrown misses. If you’re looking for an enjoyable theatre piece that involves minor upkeep, look no further. I have such a strong respect for Tennessee Williams, and I did my best to look past the maddening aspects of the play and focus on the finer qualities. Some of the performances were dead accurate, and some were not, leaving the stage with a half and half feeling. Audiences will either love this production or they will not."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Recommended
"...This was The Den’s second production and my first experience. I was impressed with the quality of the production and adjoining lounge space for such a fairly new company. I’d recommend seeing SUMMER AND SMOKE at The Den. As a modern-day spinster, I found the ending especially satisfying and the ambiance particularly welcoming."
