Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...This piece is not entirely successful as a dramatic work - more about that in a moment - but when it comes to articulating the mistrust that lies at the core of so many of this city's problems, and the violent crimes, unsolved shootings and other problems that spiral from that mistrust, then that is a worthy mission fulfilled. For this mistrust is the most correctable of Chicago's many seemingly intractable dilemmas."
Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...Still, it's a testament to Holter's razor-sharp dramatics and Gutierrez's breathless pacing that this enormous lapse in plausibility feels like a minor quibble. Perhaps that's in large part because Holter's ultimate interest lies not in the actions his characters take to challenge injustice but the ethical compromises they'll accept-or disguise-in order to achieve that goal. In this complicated, slippery world, a step toward the truth is always compromising. It's a thrilling human mess."
Windy City Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...For the most part, however, this world premiere is very well done. Ruiz brings clarity to Abe's fear, anger and occasional charm while Munoz is passionate in her largely-reactive role as sometimes-annoying Miranda. Farruggio is effectively scary as the undercover and drunk cop. Milo Bue's gritty loading dock setting is generic but suitably urban. Still, The Wolf at the End of the Block isn't a complete play. The ambiguous final moment and the underexplored personal issues make it seem like a really interesting Act I of a larger piece."
Theatre By Numbers - Highly Recommended
"...Director Ricardo Gutiérrez is a strong fit for this script. His actors never remain in the same place for long, bounding across the stage, shouting over and sizing up their targets. Each relationship feels lived in, even if the script doesn’t flesh out every motivation. Ruíz and Bellinger tower over one another, depending on who needs validation most. Farrugio moves from being friendly to being menacing with only two steps towards Bellinger. Muñóz is the most nervous of the bunch, hugging corners and observing how her brother’s mental state deteriorates with each interrogation of his actions. Márquez provides a nice contrast as a no-nonsense woman who barely has to wave a finger in order to command others to pay her the proper attention."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...Their current production is a “thriller” written by Ike Holter, “The Wolf At The End of The Block”, in its World Premiere. Smoothly directed by Ricardo Guiterrez. this thriller is the story of a young man, Abe (a powerful performance by Gabriel Ruiz), who has had a terrible experience down the street at a local bar that appeared to be closed up, but, rather is the local hang-out for off-duty cops. What happens and how become known to us during the next 90 minutes as the other neighbors explore the actual facts so that they can separate the fact from fiction and make sure they keep their neighborhood and its residents safe from the dangers they have been led to believe."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...The play’s following 90 minutes unravels the mystery behind Alejandro’s bloodied state, but Holter is far too smart a playwright (and Teatro’s cast is far too talented) for ‘Wolf’ to be a routine whodunit."
Third Coast Review - Recommended
"...Holter's Chicago premiere script will surely get some reworking, but it's a very tight and well-written story right now. His plays Exit Strategy and Hit the Wall premiered in Chicago and moved to off-Broadway productions in New York. He premiered three new plays in Chicago last year: Sender, Prowess and Stay Lit. He was recently named a Victory Gardens ensemble playwright and is working on a commission there for a new play."
Picture This Post - Highly Recommended
"...Featuring a stellar cast and director unafraid of shying away from Holter's piercing script, The Wolf at the End of the Block is an insightful, engrossing drama rich with truth and relevance."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...“The Wolf at the end of the Block”, a world premiere by 2014 " Chicagoan of the Year for Theater”, playwright Ike Holter, currently in production by Teatro Vista at The Victory Gardens Theater, is a compelling and important morality/reality play."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"..."The Wolf at the End of the Block" is Ike Holter's most urgent work to date and his most affecting since "Exit Strategy." It is a play that deserves to be seen, engaged and grappled with. To call it "timely" would be a disservice as the themes and subjects herein are nothing new. It's just that they are rarely spoken as honestly or as poignantly as they are here."
