Red Bud at Signal Ensemble Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...Though it spins its narrative wheels, "Red Bud" runs the course as a character study with fleet and hard-hitting performances."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Brand Russell's production for Signal Ensemble brings out the best in Neveu's drama: the performances are strong and subtle, and the pacing is just leisurely enough for us to feel the fear and quiet desperation that grips them all. Colby Sellers turns in a fine performance as a chronic loser who has yet to hit bottom, as does Sarah Gitenstein, playing a wife who finds herself the only adult—and a pregnant one at that—in a group of middle-aged boys."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...Though the subject matter is ripe with potential, especially amongst a theater community with plenty of members who identify with the age-set depicted, not much feels overly personal or new in Brant Russell’s U.S. premiere for Signal Ensemble Theatre; as is the case with most works about growing older and faded glory, it’s fairly easy to see what bittersweet realizations are going to be made long before the characters make them."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...Red Bud is violent, and ends with the destruction you could see coming from the beginning. But suspense is not what makes the play worth seeing. In an inoffensive seventy-five minutes, director Brant Russell presents lifelong friendships dying before our eyes. We like to think friends can help each other through hard times, but we know pride often gets in the way. This parable forces us to reflect on who we feel comfortable telling the truth to, and what we really get out of relationships. The story is bleak, but is told well and contains important lessons."

Around The Town Chicago - Recommended

"...While the production, ably directed by Brant Russell and well performed by a very solid cast is one that has no flaws, I found the story to be one that needed a little more depth. We have an ending, but I for one,was not satisfied that all of the characters' stories were completed for the audience. Neveu's plays are for the most part gritty and his characters very real."

The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended

"...Russell skillfully pulls us into this authentic Red Bud world. His talented crew become these people at the motorcross roads of life. We begin to understand each individual’s reality compared to the collective dreams of the group over the years. The regret is palpable. And just when we are commiserating with the fellas over a beer, Russell throws gasoline on the campfire. RED BUD is what happens when the bromance is over."

NewCity Chicago - Recommended

"...If you have ever attended a small party at which everyone else got stoned and drunk while you remained completely sober, then you know what experiencing Signal Ensemble Theatre’s “Red Bud” is like. I say experiencing, rather than watching, because the hyper-realism that permeates this production affects, alienates and engrosses the audience all at once."