Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...Hoping for insight into his visions, he later hires a therapist, also a rectify; act two has her leading him to some awful realizations about the psychodynamics of servitude. Some permutations of plot here seem needlessly byzantine, and as a result the world of the play isn't as coherent as it wants to be. Still, this Sideshow Theatre production is sharp and revelatory, and the five actors are at the top of their game."
Centerstage - Recommended
"...The show is characterized by some truly beautiful acting though. Fletcher’s portrayal of a narcissistic monster who passionately believes himself to be a heroic good guy is chilling, and his stoner like pretentions of being a great intellectual provide some great, dark laughs."
Gapers Block - Somewhat Recommended
"...Megan A. Smith and playwright Akerley share the directing role. The 145-minute play (with intermission) runs at least 15-20 minutes too long. The dialogue is jargon-filled with references to the Rectification Act; some of this could be eliminated without any loss to the thread of the play."
Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...And despite committed work by Lutz, O'Connor and Fletcher—the latter of whom spends the majority of his stage time naked on a massage table, with the other two rubbing him down—Tyrant gets wrapped up in excavating Martin's psyche without finding much in it that's actually interesting or unexpected. After a climax that could be shocking if it wasn't so inevitable, the play fizzles out without a satisfactory ending, happy or otherwise."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Lutz and O’Connor make winsome survivors, forced into childish servility and only vaguely recalling anything as old-fashioned as dignity or self-respect. Representing this proprietary and very un-United States, Smith and Miller present the smooth-faced impassivity of authority figures everywhere and anytime. Caught between, Fletcher’s elaborately corrupted Martin discovers just why Regina tells him “You can’t stand the personal.” In this rigid realm it’s not a nice thing to know."
ChicagoCritic - Not Recommended
"...Since the premise of Tyrant is preposterous and the dull repetitive message scenes and rules-talk sessions are boring, Tyrant collapses under the weight of its own making. The play’s ending is both shocking and unsatisfying even if you accept the show’s premise. The show is too long and repetitive as it tries to cover too many themes. Freedom for all is surely lacking in an over regulated society. We get that so why concoct such a depressing future? I don’t believe the homeless problem will lead us to regulate away our freedom. That is why we have courts. This play needs to be re-thought. It now plays as a preposterous bore."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...While this play is overflowing with many philosophies and ideas, and could benefit from a little trimming, the premise is fascinating and involving. The final scene, played with intensity and raw emotion by Fletcher, Lutz and O’Connor, leaves the audience reeling from shock and discomfort and little uncertain about these characters’ future. It’s certain, however, that Sideshow’s premier will spark many long, post-production discussions and probably a few nightmares."
The Fourth Walsh - Somewhat Recommended
"...This show is thought-provoking. It reminded me of Hunger Games. The disparity between economic classes is making it easier for high society to detach from human kindness. My reality is I believe Akerley could be predicting the future. It’s a scary and plausible reality. The Rectification Act could be passed in 2015. It’ll just take much longer than 20 years for rectifees to not feel entitled to a better life."
