Water and Power presented by UrbanTheater Company at Batey Urbano

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...Individual moments - of an unexpectedly tender slow dance or a tense display of alpha-dog pragmatism - that pack more punch than the production as a whole. For Gabriel, all is justified when you're a cop: "I chase monsters, bro. And if I have become a monster, then maybe that makes me a better monster-catcher." That line hangs heavy. When he says he's in trouble, Gilbert shrugs and tells him to call for backup. "I am backup," comes the reply and everything about Ivan Vega's performance - especially his physicality, his stance - feels right. Outwardly tough and erratic, he is as vulnerable and broken as they come. You get him, even if you don't quite understand how he got here."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...A less capable director might have gotten lost in Montoya's material; Richard Perez's simple, powerful production brings out its best. Ivan Vega is particularly stellar as the conflicted cop."

Around The Town Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...I believe that the original play was written in another locality and that either the company or Director Richard Perez chose to make the story more “Chicago” by adding many signs and images of our city. I became a bit confused by this, as our set (Caswell James) appears to be a flea-bag motel on Division Street, yet, there are no areas such as this on Division Street. Lincoln Avenue would be the perfect spot, but since they refer to being South Side, I would think around Midway (Cicero Avenue between Roosevelt Road and Cermak could have worked better."

Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended

"...The play, lovingly written by Richard Montoya, a mover and shaker in the West Coast theater world, was originally set in the barrios of Los Angeles. In bringing it to its Chicago setting, Mr. Montoya felt the need to incorporate much of Chicago’s environs – Puerto Ricans, Mexicans and South Siders – to represent a large range of Chicago’s people of Color. The script is peppered with the native language of its characters, enhancing its already powerful authenticity. Do not miss this play!"