Spark at Adventure Stage Chicago

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...Occasionally gummed up with exposition, this is a heavily plot-driven story (under the direction of Rives Collins) that contains a good amount of action and a wonderful closing tableau. The friendships among Pandora and her classmates too often feel theoretical, but Kaelan Strouse, as a rangy kid in a T-shirt and clam diggers, gives an unexpected, amusingly laid-back performance as the easygoing boy from aboveground who sneaks into the tunnels on a rescue mission."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...Although Arvetis weaves elements from Greek myths into the resulting play, intended for kids nine and older, there's no obscuring the students' plight. A curious teen named Pandora has been separated from her mother by a totalitarian ruler so obsessed with border control that he indoctrinates the younger generation into believing anyone who attempts to gain unauthorized access is a terrorist and a monster. The implication is shattering, but under the direction of Rives Collins, the talented, enthusiastic cast at Adventure Stage Chicago convey hope and perseverance."

Centerstage - Recommended

"...In a world filled with bloodshed and ruled by technology, this welcome return to the lessons found in mythology is both refreshing and exciting. It's also just the beginning of a trilogy."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...Spark feels most concerned with the danger of living in a state of fear, as well as the universal, heroic quest for truth and triumph of hope. Everyone is hyper-connected, and the mood onstage is reminiscent of Truffaut's rendering of Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451: video projections onstage, weirdly bulky techie gear, leader Amin speaking of the daily "threat level." The threat usually comes from the Outliers, who, as it turns out, are just normal folks-artists, inventors and thinkers who dare to use outlawed materials: pen, paper, books. Pan opens a discovered box, and finds what she needs to escape."