Susan Swayne and the Bewildered Bride presented by Babes With Blades Theatre Company at Lincoln Square Theater

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Led by the titular Swayne (Lisa Herceg—mousy, comically adept, and throwing around a delightful lilt I could listen to all day), the society embarks on a series of knife fights, Britishisms, and period-appropriate double entrendres. Hardy has expanded a one-act play to two and stretched the material a little thin in the process. Still, the concept is cheeky, and the cast of Dan Foss's Babes With Blades production demonstrate some fun, athletic swordplay."

Windy City Times - Highly Recommended

"...The fundamental test of action-oriented drama, however, is whether you'd still have a story if the stunts were diminished, or even eliminated altogether. Not to worry—Hardy's script displays an articulate mastery of romantic-fiction conventions for this period, while director Dan Foss and a cast led by Lisa Herceg as the indomitable Swayne strike just the right note of proto-feminist audacity. It's easy to envision Swayne and her feisty colleagues starring in a series of Steampunk-marketed graphic novels."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...As collected and charming as Herceg’s Susan is, the rest of the ensemble works extra hard to juggle a jarring level of high camp with lengthy changes of the unwieldy set. There’s the requisite spirited swordplay, of course (handily choreographed by Libby Beyreis), but that’s mostly incidental as the play dips into issues of gender and acceptance and veers away from a succinct, satisfying—or crime-solving, for that matter—resolution. In the end, we’d be better entertained with more Susan and less message."

Chicago Theatre Addict - Recommended

"...Hardy’s script is fun and free-wheeling (though it does lose steam as the loose ends are sloppily tied together), and is ably supported by Dan Foss’ nimble and action-oriented direction. London’s inner sanctum is brought to life by scenic designer Dennis Mae’s panels, which are visually effective, yet clunky (particularly in the play’s numerous episodic scene changes)."

Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended

"...I love the notion of these prim and proper ladies establishing a covert fight club in ye ole Victorian England. Fantastic! The entire ensemble captivates with fearless chivalry and Brit wit! What’s up next for this Society of Lady Detectives? I want to see more of their hat shop adventures. SUSAN SWAYNE AND THE BEWILDERED BRIDE is the first in its series... I hope!"