Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...But if you're going to present such a disturbing tale with full-frontal gore, I think the truly provocative thing to do would be to dissect the mindsets of Terry and Vic. The latter's sense of aching loneliness does come through, thanks to a sad inventory of the few things he enjoyed in life and Smith's own febrile physicality - he seems about to fall out of his translucent skin at any moment. However, despite the excellent performances, "Taste" doesn't let us see enough of the souls behind the skin in this disturbing true-life tale."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...But dramatically Taste is delicious, and Sawyer expertly orchestrates 90 minutes of excruciating but often hilarious tension. His cast, Gage Wallace and Kevin V. Smith, bring dancerlike precision to nearly every moment. It's harrowing, hysterical, horrifying, and singularly exhilarating."
Windy City Times - Recommended
"...Benjamin Brand's odd play is so darkly humorous through much of its 90-minute length that one might review it by saying it gives the phrase "hide the sausage" a whole new meaning. One might note that nerdy Victor ( Kevin V. Smith ), the consumee, cannot eat onions, garlic, shallots, scallions, tomatoes or seafood, and is socially inept-so no wonder he wants to die! But either evaluation would be much too glib. Consider: If someone took your life according to a pre-arranged and mutually-agreed-upon plan, you might need to feel closer to that individual, to trust him/her, more than anyone else on earth."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...This is a fantastic play. It's wonderful to be able to see a play like this presented so well by a company championing the need to provide Free Theatre to the masses. Don't bring your kids, be prepared for some gore (presented in a funny way), and go see this play. Clocking in at an hour and a half, this play is delightful from beginning to end. From sweet, to hilarious, to disgusting, to profound, this play is an unsettling pleasure to watch."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Tackling so many taboo subjects, Benjamin Brand’s unsettling play explores man’s fierce, frantic need for love. It demonstrates the depths to which a person will sink in order to experience some measure of love or human connection, even if it involves degradation, mutilation or death. This isn’t a play for a first date or a show to follow a heavy meal; but it’s certainly a production that speaks volumes about the human condition, and it will stay with openminded audiences for a long time to come."
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"...I'll admit, I have an affinity for blood and guts. In its scarier moments, Taste dared me not to look away, forcing me to evaluate life choices I'd never dreamed existed. My stomach turned, my gag reflex activated, and thanks to the stellar work of all involved, I left Taste disturbed and elated, exiting the theater into the harsh light of day vowing vegetarianism, at least for a day."
NewCity Chicago - Not Recommended
"...While watching “Taste” you won’t know whether to laugh or cringe. In other dramatic circumstances this might be considered a virtue. However in Red Theater’s production, Benjamin Brand’s stilted and speechy play consistently falls somewhere between awkward drama or poorly timed comedy."
