The Lisbon Traviata Reviews
Chicago Tribune- Recommended
"...As with past encounters with this play, I found myself admiring the architecture and themes more than fully investing in the characters. In that sense, it's like watching an opera with supertitles - you're fully aware of what's going on, but sometimes it's hard to choose between following the clever linguistic motifs and just committing to the emotional flow. Nonetheless, as a chronicle of a time of increasing terror and sorrow, "The Lisbon Traviata" hits many convincing notes."
Chicago Reader- Highly Recommended
"...The Lisbon Traviata is very much a period piece today. Its characters inhabit a world of scratchy LPs and hi-fi stereos (what would Mendy say if he knew that in 2015 the Lisbon Traviata is on YouTube?). Gay men in committed relationships refer to themselves as "lovers" rather than today's post-civil-union term "partners" even as they struggle with the behavioral changes mandated by AIDS at the end of the epidemic's first decade. But McNally's fundamental focus on emotional choices renders the play remarkably durable."
Time Out Chicago- Somewhat Recommended
"...McNally only briefly touches on larger, more compelling issues, including the devastation and loneliness that accompanied the AIDS crisis of the time, but doesn’t perseverate on them. When the confrontation between Stephen and Mike turns violent—an ending McNally revised away for a 1989 production, but is here restored—it’s unconvincing; there’s not enough at stake to escalate to such melodramatic proportions. A night at the opera, it is not."
Stage and Cinema- Highly Recommended
"...Bitchy and brilliant, The Lisbon Traviata resembles a car crash seen from a safe distance. Jealousy was never so juicy."
ChicagoCritic- Highly Recommended
"...Eclipse Theatre's season dedicated to Terrence McNally has included plays from only a four-year span of his half-century long career. But in doing so, they've maintained a unity of theme, and The Lisbon Traviata is a brilliant capstone to a year which saw revivals of McNally's character dramas which are set against the backdrop of the AIDS crises."
The Fourth Walsh- Highly Recommended
"...McCauley and Reitsma have shifted into an open relationship. They see other people. And Reitsma is seeing and sleeping with a hot young Diagle. Despite their understanding, McCauley arrives early to ruffle feathers in the lovers' nest. McCauley's descent into torment is riveting. Scott paces it painfully slow and agitated. McCauley desperately tries a variety of ploys to unhinge Diagle and seduce Reitsma. His performance is emotionally exhausting. The operatic ending is disquieting. THE LISBON TRAVIATA is the trifecta; sublime writing, directing and acting. I loved it!"