Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...The stories are more atmospheric than horrific, and there's a sense that the men have played this game of one-upmanship with each other many times. But Wellington's Valerie delivers the most heart-wrenching tale of all — one that raises questions about the wisdom of her moving to such an isolated place even as it reinforces the growing sense of protectiveness that all the men feel for her."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Conversation and storytelling are what interest McPherson. With “The Weir,” he plunks a varied group of people into a pub to see what unfolds as they chat, quarrel and find a connective understanding. It’s a haunting, beautifully written play with a light, comedic touch and a deep lived-in feel."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...With a cold wind blowing off the sea, two regulars, Jack and Jim, plop down at the bar to wet their whistles, and these are men who know every old house in the area down to the last floorboard, who can recall from memory the entire history of every clan in Sligo. In walks the tycoon Finbar, a married man, with a Dublin woman named Valerie on his arm. What follows might be called a seance; beginning with a few ghost stories, the night finally concludes at the outer limits of emotional beauty and honesty. I've never seen anything like Brad Armacost as Jack, but really each actor's performance is a triumph."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...Irish Theater of Chicago lives up to its baptismal name of "Seanachai" ( Gaelic for "storyteller" ) under the deft direction of Siiri Scott, who ensures that no moment is wasted in actorly posturing nor any narrative advancement rushed to its conclusion ( despite the performance time spanning a mere 90 minutes ). Three of the cast members—Sarah Wellington, Jeff Christian and Brad Armacost—reprise their roles from the company's 2010 production, joined by Bradley Grant Smith and Dan Waller ( the latter growing nicely into character parts ). On dark winter nights when winds howl and restless souls walk, playgoers will find welcome refuge in this shabby oasis tucked into Wicker Park's Den Theater."
Chicago On the Aisle - Highly Recommended
"...If “The Weir” is distinctively Irish, rooted in the timeless tradition of ghost stories that is McPherson’s inheritance, the depth and breadth of its appeal and connection ultimately exceed by far the modest frame of the Emerald Isle. There’s much laughter here, great pain, general uncertainty and the glimmer of redemption – the known universe of us all.
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"... As I remember my favorite things about Ireland, several cozy village pubs come to mind. As we sat drinking a pint or two, our new friends shared stories and songs with us. It was a marvelous and unique experience. While watching Irish Theatre of Chicago’s production of Conor McPherson’s wonderful Irish play, “The Weir”, all I needed was a glass in my hand to take me right back to Ireland."
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...The Weir is a story of losses and missed connections, with a hint of hope at the end. The pub itself is a classic example of what urban sociologists call "a third place," neither home nor work, but essential in community building. Through the course of the play, four of the five characters tell their own stories, in a tour-de-force demonstration of the Irish talent."
Picture This Post - Highly Recommended
"...At the end, after all the tales are said and done, there's a sense of change. Perhaps these locals needed to tell their stories as much as Valerie needed to tell hers in order to help her deal with the tragedies in her life. In the end they've accepted her and look forward to her coming round the bar-no more awkwardness here. Overall, the acting and intimacy of these stories is what will draw you into this small town world."
NewCity Chicago - Recommended
"...At one hundred five minutes, the characters are allowed sufficient time to not only tell their stories but also connect and spar with one another. This is a very natural feeling production and director Siiri Scott engages the audience at every level. It may take a little time to get use to the accents but the payoff is well worth it."
