Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...But though Alexander has obvious passion for her subject and wide-ranging scholarship on her side, as of yet this solo turn, directed by Dennis Zacek and produced by ShPIeL Performing Identity (through June 1 at Stage 773 and June 4-22 at the Skokie Theatre) doesn't nail down the central paradoxes and driving forces in Goldman's remarkable life. At times it almost feels like a PowerPoint approach to the highlights of Goldman's career as a public radical, which took off after the Haymarket massacre. (At her request, Goldman was buried in Forest Park's Forest Home Cemetery near the graves of the anarchists executed in the aftermath of the Haymarket affair and that of her onetime lover, Ben Reitman.)"
Chicago Reader - Not Recommended
"...Almost none of the fiery side of Goldman appears in this sweet, slightly soporific solo show written by and starring Chicago actress Roslyn Alexander. Instead we get a rambling though sometimes fascinating book report on Goldman, chronicling her life from a Russian shtetl to the tenements of Pittsburgh and New York and her concomitant rise in fame as a rabble-rouser. The outlines for a better show are visible, but Alexander the actor (and her director, Dennis Zacek) should have asked Alexander the writer for more rewrites-and a compelling reason for Goldman to be onstage telling us her story."
Windy City Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...Director Dennis Zacek lends his expertise to the piles of extensive research not yet arranged along clear narrative lines, and will likely continue to do so throughout the run. When viewing a biographical play, it's always gratifying to discover that the author has done her homework. What's disappointing is to also discover that she hasn't written the play yet."
Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...Granted, Emma Goldman sounds like she could be a single-minded woman. But where The Passions of Emma Goldman truly misses the mark is the failure to explore her ideas. It names them, but does not engage them. She advocated for birth control in the 1800s, workers' rights in the age of sweatshops, free sex and love when women still wore corsets. Through no device are we transported to a time when all this was radical. The impact of her activism is lost when the play, though set in the '30s, speaks directly to 2014, when all her passions are commonplace. It wants to put her on the side of the angels, but in doing so loses how dangerous-in the best way-she really must've been."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Ultimately, it is Roslyn Alexander’s terrific stage skills that makes Goldman’s story engages us and keep us going through the 90 minute one act. That is no small accomplishment! Alexander does us a service by bring the life of a controversial woman who preached freedom in all things as she often said: “How can love exist without freedom?” Alexander also serves audiences through her skilled performance. We see how Roslyn Alexander’s passion becomes Emma Goldman’s passion proving that passion is one of the key ingredients of effective people."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...In this sparkling 90 minutes ( no intermissions) Ms Alexander ( she wrote the play) takes us deep inside the thoughts of this woman, far ahead of her time as she gives up her own needs and desires to express and fight for her convictions.Many of the rights that our mothers, wives and daughters have had are due to this woman, who many of us know only as a name. Her deeds are ones that should be taught and this production is one that under the careful eye of Mr. Zacek will leave an imprint on all who see it. The set ( Rachel Claxton) is a study filled with letters and books and other memorabilia."
The Fourth Walsh - Somewhat Recommended
"...Roslyn Alexander is a charming storyteller. The twinkle in her eye engages the audience in an almost conspiratorial way. I want to listen to her stories from the past. I just never believe Alexander is an anarchist but I do believe she is a fine actress."
