The Seedbed at Redtwist Theatre

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Each of these fragile individuals' secrets eventually comes to light in this harsh and moving drama, which upends everything we seem to know about them-and that they thought they knew about each other. Skillfully acted by Redtwist Theatre's dynamic cast, The Seedbed's many reversals and crises are excruciating and profound. Mark Pracht's performance as Thomas, Maggie's proud but bewildered father, is especially moving."

Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...Everyone hits their marks and the story unfolds in good time, and the big secret is screwed-up enough that many audience members will be delightfully scandalized. But there are too many moments that feel like hand-me downs from older, more original plays. In fact, there are two big speeches, one from Thomas and from Mick, that are practically secondhand Pinter. In The Seedbed, it too often feels like Delaney's the seeds of inspiration needed to fall a little further from the tree."

Chicago On the Aisle - Highly Recommended

"...Maggie and Mick are so in love. She's 18 and he could be, oh, three times her age. What's wrong with this picture? That would depend on which of four perspectives you subscribe to in Redtwist Theatre's excruciating take on Irish playwright Bryan Delaney's "The Seedbed.""

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...People experienced with this kind of story will likely figure out the family’s true history before the nearly two and a half hour long play ends, but with Mick as a proxy asking the audience’s questions, the journey is as tense as it is humorous. For even though Delaney doesn’t present these characters just so their flaws can be snickered at, the play is full of embarrassing moments and saucy remarks. Elyse Balough’s scenic design does as much as Scott’s direction and the naturalism of the actors to immerse us in this household, and from such a strong place of identification, it’s not hard to feel a connection to them. The Seed Bed is a solid family drama, with dark themes, but a mature perspective. And while the play avoids hysterics for the most part, there is enough action to keep audiences alert, if they wish to avoid a sour surprise at close quarters."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...They are currently presenting the Chicago premiere of “The Seedbed” written by Bryan Delaney and directed by Chicago favorite, Steve Scott, who over the years has learned how to utilize a small space to sheer perfection. A “black box” can be configured in several ways, and for this production, the seating is limited to what appears to be 28 spectators ( five of the seats are on the stage, blending in with the set (Elyse Balogh has done a spectacular job with this space). That is intimate!"