Lewis and Clark Reach the Euphrates Reviews

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...A gifted cast of 11, under the ingenious, polished, fast-paced direction of Chris Maher (with a handsome, malleable ship's deck design by Diane Fairchild), gives its all to the project, and makes the most of the play's first (and far stronger) act. Here Schenkkan gives us the explorers' competitive, sometimes comically rendered good cop (Clark)/bad cop (Lewis) relationship, with Dunn and Thompson truly sensational in their byplay."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Though the story initially has some nuance, both story and nuance pretty much disappear in the second act as Schenkkan doggedly pursues his agenda. Chris Maher's marvelously physical staging for Infamous Commonwealth Theatre, along with lively performances by Stephen Dunn and Craig C. Thompson as the explorers, at least give the sanctimony some energy."

Windy City Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...playgoers looking for a hint of reversal in the psychological dynamic—conflict being necessary to generate emotional suspense and/or rational debate—are in for a disappointment. We quickly come to anticipate yet another instance of white men behaving badly toward their “ethnic” brethren, the latter depicted as either pathetically innocent or comically crafty, without the simmering anger of a Larry McMurtry or the savage ridicule of a Mel Brooks. By the final buzzword-riddled speeches, the drone of Schenkkan's whetstone has drowned any indignation we might have mustered up, along with any impulse to inquiry engendered thereby."

Gay Chicago Magazine - Recommended

"...Infamous Commonwealth Theatre continues to stir the emotional pot with it’s provocative choice of material and exceptional ability to deliver the complicated dramatic goods. But despite the outstanding ensemble, astute technical design and confident direction in this Midwest Premiere, Schenkkan’s ingenious script resembles more a dramatized thesis than a comprehensive play."

Chicago Maroon - Highly Recommended

"...The cast is phenomenal—no one character outshines another. The cast acts as a cohesive unit and becomes an instrument in displaying the overall message. The Lewis (Stephen Dunn) and Clark (Craig Thompson) duo is sure to please any audience member, and a shockingly moving performance by Paul Joseph as General Jake Smith is worthy of separate recognition."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...Infamous Commonwealth grounds the playwright’s overstuffed, occasionally pedantic treatise with disciplined ensemble acting, direction and design. Craig T. Thompson and Stephen Dunn, as William Clark and Meriwether Lewis, respectively, convincingly convey the two faces of American foreign policy—one naively idealistic (Clark), the other aggressively self-righteous (Lewis)."

ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended

"...Schenkkan paints a wide scope and a simplistic view of American history laced with over simplified propaganda. This play offends us more than enlightens us about American foreign policy. The play’s lack of focus and contradictory tones confuse us."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...Lewis (Stephen Dunn) and Clark (Craig C. Thompson) do an above average job of dual leading roles keeping the content of the story not only engaging but portraying their relationship a bit like an "odd couple" that often made for a great comedic timing of the text. They both had strong character choices that took each man into a deep place of emotion and intimacy that was clearly felt and seen on stage. The use of multiple languages in some of the scenes, including French and American Indian dialects, sounded natural and authentic thanks to the coaching of David Dietrich Gray."