The BenchMark presented by Step Up Production at Athenaeum Theatre

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...The BenchMark is certainly well-produced in all aspects, and the story it tells is touching. But as a force for change the play desires to be, the use of his perspective feels limited. Mark's understanding of the classics makes him immediately non-threatening, like he's meeting us on our own terms. He speaks to us in our own language-including, most insipidly, Shakespeare. We don't have to be challenged by him because he has met us where we are. I had to wonder what the effects of removing this opportunity for transformation were, and if the reason we followed Mark's story was not because we wanted to understand him, but because we already did."

ShowBizChicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...The play has some insightful moments on poverty and homelessness, but nothing very original. It grabs at the jersey of issues such as homeless vets, gentrification, and the lack of programs this country has to fight poverty, but never tackles any of them."