Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Barbara Lhota's play built around one of America's first female superheroes, Scarlet O'Neil (whose adventures were featured in the funny papers from 1940 to 1956), feels right at home in the summer of Patti Jenkins'sWonder Woman. But this Babes with Blades world premiere fails to live up to its potential."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...Saving the world from enemy aggression is a stroll through the funny-pages compared to translating print-graphic narrative to live-action performance, making technical effects arguably the real star of this Babes With Blades production. These include the projections of G. Max Maxin IV, whose caption boxes, thought balloons and onomatopoeic inserts compress expository information into mere seconds. Likewise contributing to the wizardry are the smart UV-reactive career-girl suits, tailored by costumer Kimberly G. Morris, that allow us to "see" our discorporeal champion, along with solitary adversaries trading punches and grapples with empty air under the instruction of combat designer Libby Beyreis."
Edge - Highly Recommended
"...To celebrate its twentieth years of focusing on "complex, dynamic (and often combative) female characters," Babes with Blades Theatre Company opens its anniversary season with its first commissioned work, Barbara Lhota's "The Invisible Scarlet O'Neil". Although the work itself has a few rough edges, great characters, complex relationships, a perfect period vibe and inventive staging make this production great."
Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...Newly adapted into a standalone play by Barbara Lhota and directed by Leigh Barrett, this production aims to capture much of the whiz-bang wonder that superhero stories used to embody-and, of course, the kickass brand of femininity that Babes with Blades embodies in all their productions. The show's sets mostly consist of comic-strip style projections designed by G. "Max" Maxin IV, with captions accompanied by voiceover from Scarlet (sound by Sarah Espinoza) that further ground the show in its old-school, comic-strip roots."
Theatre By Numbers - Recommended
"..."The Invisible Scarlet O'Neil" is a romp through Chicago comics history that is sure to leave you with a smile on your face. Whether you enjoy fast-talking newspaper gals, villanous hijinks, or straight-forward sincerity, you will find something to love in this production. Babes With Blades introduces the world to Scarlet anew, and the world is a brighter place for her superheroic presence."
The Hawk Chicago - Recommended
"...The Invisible Scarlet O'Neil is a very entertaining work that engages the audience with its hilarious comedy and visually spectacular stage design. While it drags in parts and not all plot points work, the spectacle of the comic-panel set design and hilarious writing make for a production well worth the price of admission."
Picture This Post - Highly Recommended
"...Theater-goers in the mood for a production that's goofy yet smart, incisive yet fun, will do themselves a favor by coming out to this latest effort from Babes With Blades."
NewCity Chicago - Recommended
"...Barbara Lhota's "The Invisible Scarlet O'Neil" is a rambling rumpus that combines second-wave feminism with slapstick and shenanigans. At the center of the action are working girls and their social relationships: Scarlet and her pals, underappreciated reporter Jean Sharp (Aneisa Hicks), disgruntled switchboard operator Marcie (Lisa Herceg), sexy starlet with a secret science habit Hedy Labarr (Herceg) and tough and tender landlady, Doris Carmichael (Lynne Baker)-all pitted against Evanna and her loopy sidekick Judy (Ashley Fox). Sometimes silly and sometimes sweet, this play is buzzy swell."
