Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...I first saw this live version of "The Birds," looking pretty much like it does now (although I seem to recall spending more time outside) in 2001, when it was under the auspices of Sweetback Productions. A dozen years on, the lovely, ageless Cerda, still essaying the role created by the ripe Suzanne Pleshette, remains the satirical anchor, even if he did have the perspicacity to note, in a post-show speech, that he now qualifies as "the world's oldest Suzanne Pleshette." True, that. But he's darn funny, as is everyone here."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
".. Every aspect of the production deepens it: the early-60s costumes, the simple but evocative set, the low-budget special effects, and, most importantly, the rich performances. Though men are in many women's roles, it's never just for laughs—Ed Jones, for example, turns in an astonishing performance in the role originally played by Jessica Tandy. At the center of it is Catherine McCafferty's fascinating impersonation of Hedren, an actress so obviously uncomfortable and out of her depth that every twitch and gesture becomes a kind of understated camp."
Centerstage - Highly Recommended
".. David Cerda is a unique brand of triple threat. He’s a master at impersonating B-movie queens, particularly Joan Crawford. He’s a brilliant playwright parodying trashy TV (last year’s “Sexy Baby”satirizing “Toddlers in Tiaras”) and classic films from Hollywood’s Golden Era (“Lady X,” “Limitation of Life”). And he’s also an accomplished director who truly understands how to bring these campy comedies to life, much to the delight of his many followers. In this remounting of one of his most popular creations, Mr. Cerda gets to demonstrate all of his talents."
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...And the birds? The special effects and puppetry of Lolly Extract and Amber Marsh bring them to life. The attacks—using the Berger Park coach house's big windows—give us the feeling that we’re watching from within our own shelter, as actors run around flailing against the doors outside. Like the show as a whole, it’s fun and kitschy but doesn’t forget the darker tension and drama that must be really sold to make something Hitchcockian, or a thorough Hitchcock spoof, successful. It’s no wonder that even Ms. Hedren herself has endorsed it. "
Theatre By Numbers - Recommended
"...David Cerda was clearly an audience favorite the night we went, and his Suzanne Pleshette as Annie Hayworth is hysterical. Yes, there are men playing female characters as women in this show, and vice versa, but what's really fun is that an actor's gender never gets in the way of the character's gender. Quite the opposite, especially in the case of Ed Jones, who plays Jessica Tandy (yep, THAT Jessica Tandy) playing Lydia Brenner in the film. Jones gives a subtle performance as Lydia, and then goes one step further "out of character" in an "offstage" scene as Jessica Tandy. Most of the other characters are drawn with broad strokes, but Jones plays the worried mother in the film and the consummate professional offstage actress easily and well."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...“The Birds” is a delightful gender bending romp with satisfying results. These actors work hard and fast to bring you a great show. Flap on down to the Berber Park Coach House before your opportunity flies away."
