Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"... Polus and Kinnear are a little young for the roles, and Minichiello slightly overplays the eager-beaver, fish-out-of-water city kid in Miles. But there is a deeply humane strain running through Healey's play that, despite a few hiccups here and there, carries this production to a satisfying conclusion."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Julie Ritchey's staging for the Filament and Den theater ensembles is crisp and captivating."
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...
The production is handsomely acted on a rich, practical set that luxuriates in Will Dean’s buttery lighting design. Director Julie Ritchey has paced the play to match both its nimble folksy rhythm and the inexorability of its dramatic conclusion."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"... The Drawer Boy is a touching story abouta mostempatheticcharacter with whom we quietly cheer for since we see him as a gentle soul deserving of a happy life. The triumph of the human spirit and the healing power of art,friendship and loyalty rule The Drawer Boy. This uplifting play is flawlessly performed and respectful ofMichael Healey’s wonderful writing. The Drawer Boy is yet another excellent work being produced by Filament Theatre Ensmeble. This troupe is becoming a major sourceofworthy theatre productions. Onecan home that the daily press will stop by and witness this talented ensemble,theJeff Committeerecommends The Drawer Boy and so will you."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"... Director Julie Ritchey's production is well-intentioned and heartfelt. Melissa Schlesinger's sound design adds rich detail to the simplistic atmosphere created by set designer Chad Bianchi. Noel Huntzinger's costumes and Will Dean's lights provide sufficient support in the intimate space of The Den. Peter Oyloe's graphic design for the show is terrific, as is a fantastic moment when the oven is opened to reveal burnt and smoking bread - smells and all."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"... The Den is a small intimate theater that is just perfect for a production like this. These three actors play well off each other and Kinnear, who seemed a bit out of place during the first scene, ended up being the powerhouse that kept the others in line. Angus slowly overcomes his memory loss and trauma ridden past in a very realistic way and I for one truly felt that his character and his transition made this play one of the year’s best in story telling. These are three strong actors, telling a very strong story and I urge you to go to Bucktown before the show closes in February!"
Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended
"... The stories of our life, whether they be disruptive truths or comforting lies, are ours and ours alone. The Drawer Boy poignantly makes a case for a revisionist history to a painful past. When it comes to the bonds of brotherhood and the inexorable flow of time, reality is inevitably distorted, and what is true in the mind is all we may need. The truth, as noble as it can seem, does not and cannot always set us free."