The Explorers Club at Citadel Theatre Company

Around The Town Chicago - Recommended

"...Now, let’s talk about the solid cast of players to make these characters come alive .Our host, Lucius Fretway ( and incredible job by Nate Strain). He has invited the woman explorer Phyllida Spotte-Hume ( deftly handled by Elizabeth Rude) who he has a crush on to join the club as her sponsor. It seems that she has discovered an unknown land that is inhabited and has brought with her one of these men, Luigi ( played to perfection by Frank Gasparro, who supplies a great deal of the physical comedy touches in this play)."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...Set in Victorian London, this very funny farce, by Nell Benjamin, is made even funnier by Robert D. Estrin’s fine direction. It delivers a grand finale to Citadel Theatre’s current season and introduces Lake Forest audiences to a very talented ensemble of standout comic actors. This production, with its magnificent scenic design and period costumes, may be the finest of Citadel Theatre’s productions, to date. It’s a definite must-see for anyone who enjoys an enjoyable evening of captivating comedy—the perfect, lighthearted way to spend a warm Spring night in the theatre."

Irish American News - Highly Recommended

"...Thanks to director, Robert Estrin, for a great production. And thanks also to stage manager, Samantha Terik, for the wonderful music that accompanies the actors."

Chicago Theater and Arts - Somewhat Recommended

"...The concept, written by playwright Nell Benjamin (co-writer of the music and lyrics to "Legally Blonde"), sounds funnier than it seemed at the performance I attended."

Chicago On Stage - Recommended

"...If you are looking for political correctness, you will be forgiven for not venturing out to see Citadel Theatre's new production of Nell Benjamin's The Explorers Club. If, on the other hand, your goal for the evening is to have a good time and laugh a lot, you'll do yourself a favor by heading off to Lake Forest to see this cleverly written, well executed farce."

NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...Unfortunately, that early hint never develops into full-throttle anarchy, and this modern farce, which premiered off-Broadway in 2013, itself has a static, taxidermic quality. Silliness abounds here, but it’s silliness lacking in real zing. The fun gets tedious fast and the whole experience, for all its hyperactive plotting, comes off as the theatrical equivalent of empty calories."