Orange Flower Water Reviews

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Wright's insights on this predicament are of the no-duh variety ("You think things can happen without happening, but in the end, they always have to actually happen"), and the play's series of fraught two-person scenes seems tailor-made for acting students. Fittingly, then, it's the performances that distinguish Jessica Hutchinson's production for BackStage Theatre Company--particularly the work of Shelley Nixon, who gives Beth a profound sadness born of disenchantment."

Windy City Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...The potential humor of a scenic design dominated by a single revolving bed is likewise left unexplored, as is our curiosity over the fate of the offspring dubbed "little hitlers' by their loving progenitors, one of whom, in the course of the action, is reported to have eaten an entire month's worth of mommie's contraceptive pills with no immediate ill effects. If you find yourself longing to throttle these characters, but your date sobs into his/her hankie, reconsider buying the ring."

Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

".... In this relatively mild production, some of the tics in the former divinity student’s script become insistently visible: When characters raise questions about human connection or Beth and her pharmacist lover David debate religion, the themes seem forced. Wright’s characters might benefit from more reflection, but this production is at its best when their visceral impulses take center stage."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...This 75 minute one act is a often funny and poignant look at the ruination of midlife, decade and a half marriages. Wright leaves hope as a new baby symbolizes another try at happiness for two of the couples. I found little empathy for there characters as it never occurs to any of the four that they should try to reconcile for the sake of the children. Why not at least try? I guess the sexual needs are tantamount. The performances here are quite good. Orange Flower Water is fine date night fare."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...If there was an award for less is more it would go to this design team. Scenic Designers Brandon Wardell and Jessica Kuehnau innovatively use a single bed (moved in different positions) to signify locales. Lighting designer Jared Moore nicely established time and place, while highlighting the subtext with mood lighting. Sound Designer Heath Hayes created a soundtrack both effective and worthy of a purchase on I-Tunes."

Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended

"...Orange Flower Water is an honest portrayal of dishonesty in two relationships. It also is a lesson for the romantic that love often leaves a long and winding trail of pain in its path. With superb acting and an amazing script, this production is nearly perfect."