The Gingerbread House at Red Tape Theatre - St. Peter's Episcopal Church

Centerstage - Somewhat Recommended

"... The opening scenes are electric with the absurdity of the situation and the mental gymnastics required of Stacey for her to accept Brian’s suggestion and believe his buddy Marco’s (Nicholas Combs) promise that the kids are going to have the best time in an Albanian mansion. Unfortunately, from there the play drags as Stacey tries to be happy, imagines the horrors her children experience, goes off the deep end, and tries to be happy again."

Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...Burdened by the gravity of what she’s done, Mom imagines her abandoned children’s current state in monologues Reardon renders harrowingly. By the end, though, Palmer’s efforts aren’t enough to substantiate Schultz’s concept, which rides off the rails when his comedy starts begging for rim shots. What begins as an enticing philosophical inquiry ends as an obvious parable, no matter how sweetly Red Tape coats it."

ChicagoCritic - Not Recommended

"...The show tries to make up for the insane storyline with 5 little girls singing several broodingly dark songs and vivid video backdrops. But nothing can save this preposterous premise. Self destruction, guilt, and a clueless husband plow through the show until the darkness prevails. We leave the theatre wondering why anyone would produce such a play? It isn’t funny enough nor cathodic enough as a parable; it is simply an unbelievable work unconvincingly acted by Tepeli and Reardon as Brian and Stacey. The inconsistent tone didn’t help."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"... “The Gingerbread House” is an example of the type of play that can’t stand alone by itself as a script, meaning the material is not bulletproof. But there was no problem since Red Tape brought out the best from their ensemble. Nicholas Combs, Alex Kyger, Paige Sawin, and Mike Tepeli all gave remarkable performances. The script requires a strong female lead, and Meghan Reardon’s performance was captivating. She brought a strong presence of vulnerability to a young, once carefree character. In the end her weakened spirit led to her demise and Reardon held our hands firmly until the very end."

Chicago Theater Beat - Somewhat Recommended

"...Palmer has chosen some whimsical elements to reinforce the children focus. The Carolina Chorus is a five girl singing group. All dressed identical. Their singing is beautiful. Their presence is really creepy. Scenic Designer Scott Davis and Projections Designer Mike Stanfill create this fairytale-like feel. Branches hang from the ceiling. Kaleidoscope imagery on the backdrops continue to transform. A forest morphs into a child’s silhouette. It’s powerful! The Gingerbread House lingers long after the last disconcerting morsel."