Don Juan in Hell presented by ShawChicago at Ruth Page Center For Arts

Gapers Block - Recommended

"...The quartet of characters is complete and the remaining dialogue constitutes debate, mainly between Don Juan and the Devil, on Shaw's favorite targets. The church, organized religion, relations between man and woman, and according to the Devil, "the country where I have the greatest following: England." The Devil expresses his distaste for the views of Heaven and Hell expressed by those Italian and English poets (Dante and Milton)."

ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended

"...egardless, I recognize the importance of the rarely performed piece of theatre, and I do believe that the cast that ShawChicago has put together for this performance is an ideal one. There are laughs and some engaging moments, especially in the first half of the scene. I, myself, as someone who was easily twice the junior of the audience, did not take joy in this historical undertaking. George Bernard Shaw holds a unique and critical place in the history of theatre, as does Don Juan in Hell. This is a great stage reading, but not one that I think will win over anyone who questions Shaw’s importance."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...Director Robert Scoggin keeps the pace and energy pulsing throughout, complementing the high energy perfomances of his talented cast. Christian Gray’s fast talking, charismatic Don Juan plays effortlessly off his costars. Mary Mitchell’s Dona Ana, one of Juan’s many conquests is appalled to find herself not only in Hell, but in the company of her long ago seducer. She soon meets her father, the Commander (a suitably pompous Richard Marlatt), now a statue, who reveals his true character, much to her distress. Ms. Michell beautifully handles the twists and turns of her new surroundings with charm, glamour and exasperated humor. They are joined by Lucifer himself (Jack Hickey) the social director and factotum of all things decadent and enjoyable in Hell. Hickey's focused honesty cloaked in humor was riveting. As the characters debate the pros and cons of heaven and hell, they reach some surprising conclusions."