Scarcity at Redtwist Theatre

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...e have less sympathy for the self-centered adults around them, in part because at times Thurber's dialogue feels forced and unreal, but mostly because the performances in this Redtwist Theatre production, directed by Cody Estle, are so uneven. Jacqueline Grandt is superb as the overworked, underpaid mom, but Johnny Garcia and Mark Pracht are less than satisfying as two men vying for her attention."

Chicago On the Aisle - Somewhat Recommended

"...The play is fraught with thread-like possibilities, but they’re never woven into whole cloth. While Mom fends off the lusty constable, Dad swills down beer after beer and remains largely comatose – only to wake up, late in the narrative, to ask if he has ever “hurt” his daughter. That there is outback code for abuse, molest, assault. Pracht’s earnest query in this blink of sobriety does set up a deeply unnerving vignette with Grandt as the visibly distressed Mrs. Lawrence, jollying up her husband with over-determined assurances that no such thing ever happened. This time my squirming was for good reason."

Stage and Cinema - Not Recommended

"...Worst thing in this poor man’s August: Osage County: We’re punished for caring about characters that both author and director condescendingly condemn to their twisted fates. That’s scarcity indeed in this misanthropic misfire. Haters, enjoy your show."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...Thurber’s Scarcity belongs to cycle of five plays all of which deal with important moments in the life of the main character, moving from childhood, progressing through college, coming to terms with sexual identity, and adulthood. The others are Where We’re Born, Ashville, Killers and Other Family, and Stay. Judging from the skill of Scarcity, let’s hope Redtwist will consider mounting some of the others"

The Fourth Walsh - Recommended

"...Estle guides us through this house of misery constructed over the years. The pace is tight. The final scene is just another night of drinking. I see Grandt, Pracht and Debra Rodkin (Gloria) yucking it up over beers and whiskey. And I feel Grey’s desperate imprisonment. Although I was glad the lights came up so I could go home, I didn’t want to leave Grey there. SCARCITY is a hard but important reality to understand. I recommend seeing it and chasing it down with a drink or antacids."

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...This family is an American tragedy but the biggest victim may be the daughter. Everyone leans on her emotionally while mostly ignoring her needs and pleads. Even before private school becomes an issue, the husband and wife fixate on their son and what will become of him. Meanwhile, the girl languishes, her gradual disappointment and decline registered in the precociously resourceful face of Ada Grey. It’s a powerful performance in a biting, bitter look at the white-hot matters of America’s heart and soul."