SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody at Royal George Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Not Recommended

"..."Spank," which uses only three actors and a taped accompaniment, not only goes on forever (two acts!), but gets stuck in a disastrous middle ground by going after the book in a more obvious and juvenile way -think overripe erotica - and without employing any discernible satiric bite. Michelle Vezilj, who plays the fictional character based on the young blank-slate adventurer of the book, is the best performer of the trio, although in fairness to Drew Moerlein, he's stuck with some dazzlingly lousy material. I chuckled at one, faux-Sondheim song (!) in Act 2. But there's about enough acceptable stuff here for one-tenth of a third-string Second City revue. It's not just that the big venue overpowers the show; it has it handcuffed to the floor."

Chicago Sun Times - Not Recommended

"...As laughable as the source material might be, this show is neither funny, erotic, subversive nor imaginative. A crack trio of Second City improvisers might have taken a good whack at James' story in a 10-minute sketch. But here it is stretched to the tedious breaking point by director and head writer Jim Millan and his team of six additional writers - J.S. Blair, I.M MacIntyre, S.A. Moran, C.J. Munch, A.M Scheffler and I.P. Whalen, whose initial-heavy names suggest a quest for anonymity."

Time Out Chicago - Not Recommended

"...Considering its hefty ticket price, Spank! looks very cheap, with a set consisting of a wooden block and a big red curtain. The book's fans appeared to be having a good time on opening night, though that might've been the alcohol (one actor even commented on the crowd's drunkenness). For anyone unfamiliar with Fifty Shades of Grey, Spank! is a sadomasochistic experience in which the pain outweighs the pleasure."

Stage and Cinema - Somewhat Recommended

"...Presumably the viewers of Spank! are fans of the book it parodies, or those very interested in the book but too ashamed to read it. But the show only shows the sexual side of the narrative, neglecting the emotions and humanity that have fueled its popularity. Simply put, the show feels rushed, like it was slapped together so it wouldn't miss out on the mound of cash the runaway bestseller has garnered. The creators have gone for a cheap production and cheap laughs, ignoring the trust, love and devotion that makes the story in any way appealing, whether in parody form or not."

Splash Magazine - Somewhat Recommended

"...It took seven writers to create Spank! (or over two writers per actor). With so many hands in the pot it is not surprising that the play often felt weighted down. Two acts seemed one to many here and jokes repeat often (what is good for bar sales is not always good for humor). I could not help but wonder what the same actors might be capable of in a more freewheeling play where the script, and not the actors, are stripped down. I think even Christian Grey would agree."