The Fair Maid Of The West at Oak Park Festival Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...Kevin Theis' adaptation for Oak Park Festival Theatre, which he also directs, first made its local bow 23 years ago with the long-defunct CT20 Ensemble in an indoor production. It's now filling Austin Gardens with clashing swords, bellowed imprecations and shamelessly broad comic bits."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Kevin Theis reworked one of Heywood's more seldom-seen Elizabethan comedies-the tale of a barmaid, Bess Bridges (Amanda Forman), and her chaste love for a gentleman, Spencer (Zach Livingston)-into a well-received adaptation. The outdoor festival setting is ideal for this cheerful, rapier-twirling spectacle. Theis directs the revival, which is notable for Bobby Bowman's exceptional reading of Clem, the fool."

Windy City Times - Highly Recommended

"...Director Theis and Stunt Choreographer Geoff Coates-both alumni of the 1994 production-keep the thrilling spectacle forthcoming at dizzying velocity, thanks to an acting ensemble, led by Amanda Forman as the worthy commander Bess, that swarms over Michael Lasswell's three-level jungle-gym towers with the agility of squirrels and the stamina of racehorses, while still retaining enough lung power for affirmations of loyalty and bravado. "These English are in all things honorable!" declares King Mullisheg. What churlish knave would disagree?"

Theatre By Numbers - Highly Recommended

"...“The Fair Maid of the West” should entertain and delight audiences throughout the Chicago area. Its every detail is full of joy and innovation. Look no further for a lovely summer treat."