Enchanted April Reviews

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...The four women (dressed in Suzanne Mann’s period-perfect designs) are the heart of the story. They are portrayed by actors who capture the idiosyncrasies of each diverse personality. Patricia Austin brings just the right touch to the ebullient Lotty, who is both scattered and incisive. Darci Nalepa is a sad, forlorn Rose who blooms before our eyes. Michelle Weissgerber is a sexy, reckless Lady Caroline, and Mary Redmon is daunting and delightful as Mrs. Graves, who never met a Tennyson fan she didn’t like."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Matthew Barber's adaptation of Elizabeth Von Arnim's novel--about four Englishwomen on holiday in Italy in the 1920s--is sweet and graceful. Still, director Bob Knuth and his terrific cast deserve much of the credit for making it succeed so well here. The performances are subtle and moving, creating characters that are likable and sympathetic. More importantly, the production has an understated intensity that makes this simple, and at times predictable, story compelling."

Windy City Times - Highly Recommended

"...Brain fatigue is kept at bay, however, by such frivolous spectacle as carefree damsels flitting about in their nighties and a stuffy British gent caught infra dig by a capricious bathtub. This is in addition to Robert Knuth's flower-festooned piazza, Suzanne Mann's scrumptious gowns ( in particular, the quasi-Leon Bakst negligées and fauvist-inspired shoes worn by the boho-chic Lady Caroline ) , and other commensurably capable tech-effects, all crowded into a too-small storefront space that can only reinforce support for Circle Theatre's proposed new playhouse."

Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...Knuth’s production has its weaknesses: The dialects can be spotty, and the actors consistently miss opportunities to highlight their poignant yearning and grief to better shade the comedy. A scene in which Lotty and Rose confront their husbands simultaneously falls particularly flat. But the cast succeeds in demonstrating the restorative powers of time away; the characters are transformed by the local flora and fauna."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...There is rich humor, surprises and likable characters wonderfully performed in Knuth’s production. From the excellent accents to the fine period costumes (by Suzanne Mann), Circle Theatre’s Enchanted April is beguiling romantic comedy. Patricia Austin’s Lotty and Mary Redmon’s Mrs. Graves were particularly effective. It is nice to see a sweet life affirming show so expertly performed."