Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...In the future, perhaps, Fondakowski will work on streamlining the piece, avoided repetition and building more suspense. Deep-water drilling, clearly, is a choice the nation makes on the assumption that the economic benefits outweigh the environmental risks. There are many similar choices in the world; the most interesting parts of "Spill" flow when the piece scratches the ocean bed of the real issue: why we risk human lives and our planet for short-term gain, and do so over and over again."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Fondakowski’s incisive direction of her work – a powerhouse mix of grief and muscle thrillingly conjured by an airtight ensemble of nine actors who play multiple roles, all superbly – builds from a slow burn to a ferocious explosion as it probes the roots of the greed, negligence and arrogance that caused the fiery destruction of the gargantuan Deepwater Horizon oil rig planted off the southeast coast of Louisiana. Eleven of the 126 people on the rig died. Many others were injured and traumatized. And as the oil kept pouring out into the water for nearly three months – until the well was finally capped on July 15, 2010 – the damage became far more than “a spill.”"
Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...Using interviews with their surviving relatives and coworkers as well as engineers and other experts, Fondakowski and her sensitive cast supply a detailed and gripping re-creation of events leading up to and including the blast. Though the second act, dealing with the cleanup, doesn't have as clear a narrative through line, TimeLine Theatre Company's production is animated by a powerful sense of outrage and sorrow."
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...After the intermission, Spill traverses more familiar waters, hitting on relief efforts and after-the-fact blame-placing. But she still uncovers interesting, under-reported nuances-such as several of the victims' family members, after their meeting with President Obama at the White House, appreciating his time but opposing his administration's moratorium on offshore drilling. They were angry and in mourning for their loved ones, but still saw the oil industry as vital to their region. It's that kind of uncontainable spillover that makes Spill compelling."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Spill does all of the above with truthful discourse as well as thrilling dramatization of the catastrophic events. This is not a "talky" documentary, but a powerful human story in the words of those involved. As a theatrical piece, Spill is marvelous drama that captures many sides and view points about the explosion of April, 2010. Let the dialog begin. Kudos to TimeLine theatre for mounting Spill - it is an important show expertly presented."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...TimeLine Theatre Company's production of "Spill" reminded me a bit of "Assassination Theatre", not, of course the subject matter, rather the style. "Spill" is a docu-drama, done as a hearing investigating the 2010 BP oil spill. From start to finish, "Spill" is compelling, complicated, intriguing and very, very interesting."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...There’s so much to recommend in this thrilling, moving and educational production, from the story it tells to the high-tech, professional support which enables audiences to feel this tragedy firsthand. Terrific, award-deserving ensemble work, orchestrated by a topnotch director and playwright, all come together in another gorgeous, heartfelt, historically based drama by one of Chicago’s most incredible and highly respected theatre companies. This is an absolute must-see production."
