The Last Days of Judas Iscariot at Stage 773

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Like Milton, Guirgis seems to take the side of the devil, whose portrayal by Joey Richter as a charismatic sociopath-going by the name of "Lou"-is one of the production's high points. Guirgis's postmodern take on the story of this biblical scapegoat is strongest in moments of philosophical probing-when it's an intellectual exercise in questions of truth, free will, and the nature of divine love. Still, the work feels indulgent and untethered; its three-hour running time suggests a need for some serious cuts."

Centerstage - Not Recommended

"...The direction of Julia Albain doesn’t add much to the proceedings. It is often of the stand-and-deliver variety with a few striking tableaus but even more moments of awkward actor clustering. And while it is admirable to see these young artists step outside their comfort zone with a play like this one, any future outings should start with a script that is not just “cool” but is also, at the very least, “good.”"

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...Director Julia Albain's staging makes smart use of Stage 773's difficult Thrust theater, with a handsome bi-level set designed by Corey Lubowich. Albain and her ingratiating ensemble of 15 actors (some Chicago-based, others now residing in New York and L.A.) can't improve the odd swerves in the script-sophomoric gags mixed into ranty theological arguments, silly depictions of Mother Teresa and Sigmund Freud as character witnesses and a Saint Monica who for some reason talks like a character from Guirgis's later The Motherfucker with the Hat-but they negotiate the curves nicely."

ChicagoCritic - Not Recommended

"...This show is an example of how a tricky, long, and cumbersome play can easily turn off an audience if it is handled poorly. When I saw The Gift Theatre’s Iscariot, I loved the play but when I witnessed the Judas Redux’s production, Guirguis’ script came off as tedious and over written. Both productions used the same words; the difference is stage craft. One had it the other didn’t. I’d skip this one."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended

"...The Last Days of Judas Iscariot premiered Off-Broadway in 2005 at the LAByrinth Theater in a production directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Responses to its premiere production were strikingly mixed. Indeed, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot is one of those plays that routinely inspires wildly divergent responses in people. Watching Judas Redux’s production at Stage 773, I can see the passion that drives this project among its cast and crew. Unfortunately, I just don’t feel it."

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...There are some things about the play itself that feel a little out of place, but the Starkid (plus extras) team really does a great job at branching out from the musical comedies they're known for. It is an interesting piece, with questions that are quite literally about life and death. Other stellar actors from the cast that deserve mention include Reed Campbell who plays Judas, Dylan Saunders who plays the judge and Caiaphas the Elder, and Liam White who plays Butch Honeywell, who closes the show with a moving monologue. It is worth going to see this production of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot for a laugh, some deep thought, and some wonderful talent."