Rough Crossing at First Folio Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended

"...Christopher Kriz's original music shows off Stoppard's so-dumb-they're-smart lyrics to great advantage, and Angela Weber Miller's foldout set (changed over by the uniformed "ship's crew" in a lovely number choreographed by Vesely and headed by McKillip) almost becomes its own character."

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...Tom Stoppard, a playwright renowned for hyper-intelligent, devastatingly literate and witty dialogue, goes a bit low brow with “Rough Crossing.” The result, in First Folio’s staging of the shipboard tale of a romance over troubled waters, is inspired lunacy."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...But Alison C. Vesely's timid, paint-by-numbers production is also at fault, settling for amiable and amusing when it could be subversive and laugh-out-loud funny. First Folio executive director David Rice, a comic actor of limited ability, sets the show's pace and tone: the timing is off, the punch lines are telegraphed, and even the play’s craziest character, a wonderful trickster played by Kevin McKillip's, rarely reaches the heights of insanity Stoppard clearly meant for him."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...Much of the lunacy and indeed success of First Folio's voyage has to do with Kevin McKillip's stellar comedic portrayal in the show-stealing role of an inept but cordial and perpetually tipsy ship steward called Dvornicek. McKillip is one of those remarkable actors who can move effortlessly from one form of theatre to another with grace and versatility. Here it is broad comedy that the actor manages to pull off with dexterity and distinction. McKillip is the best reason to chart a ticket aboard this "Rough Crossing"."

Around The Town Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...Farcical shows are not as easy as they appear to be. It takes perfect comical timing, solid direction, often a ton of slamming doors and for many years, Dale Benson, to truly pull it off. Tackling ”Rough Crossing” written by Tom Stoppard, and directed by Alison C. Vesely, was what I might call, a rough crossing for this company. It is called a “musical”, but I would prefer to call it a few comical moments with some music ( Christopher Kriz has composed three jazz numbers that might make the trip worthwhile), but i would have to say the script is just a little “stale” for todays’ brighter audiences."

Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Somewhat Recommended

"...“Rough Crossing” definitely is a minor work in the illustrious Stoppard canon and the playwright may have written it as a larky departure from his more weighty dramas. A revival with an inspired cast could have produced an agreeable two hours of chortles with an occasional belly laugh. But because there is no margin for error in presenting a farce, the First Folio’s generally leaden attempt, though it has its moments, doesn’t get the job done."