Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...It's tricky to try to contain a novel in a couple of hours of stage traffic — the crucial questions are where to spend your stage time and, despite very honorable work by all, I don't think Sie had fully figured that out, all those years ago. A fresh adaptation would be well worth the time. That said, hardcore fans of the work (and there were some around me Monday night) will likely be happy to be in the company of kindred spirits."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...This is the third time Lifeline Theatre has revived James Sie’s 1990 adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s 1963 kids' book, and it isn't hard to see why. L’Engle’s quirky characters are well drawn, and the story she tells, about a pair of plucky children who literally cross the universe (via said wrinkle) to save their father—and the world—remains a ripping yarn. In this version, directed by Elise Kauzlaric, the small stage is packed with strong performances (Naima Hebrall Kidjo is a standout as Red Eyes, the queen-bee villain of the tale) and lots of magical, mystical spectacle (Alan Donahue and Andrew Hildner share scene design credits). "
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...For the most part, Director Elise Kauzlaric wrangles the story’s fast-moving plot into place and brings its many alien locales to life. An ensemble of black-clad Noh-style performers provide many real-life special effects, which blend well with the visual touches of lighting designer Kevin D. Gawley, costume designer Izumi Inaba, and sound and music designer Eric Backus."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The biggest problem with adapting a classic book like "A Wrinkle in Time" is that people have actually read the book - so they know what should/must be included. I think I read "A Wrinkle in Time" for the first time when I was about ten, so I had expectations. I'm happy to say that Lifeline Theatre's family friendly production of "A Wrinkle in Time" hit every marker. Fantastical, colorful, a little bit scary, heart-warming, and I loved it!"
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...While some of the minor characters and plot elements of Madeleine L’Engle’s young adult science fiction/fantasy have wisely been eliminated, James Sie’s ambitious and exciting adaptation provides enough of the book to dramatize this tale of good versus evil. This latest offering by the prestigious Lifeline Theatre is another example of why their productions not only entertain audiences of all ages, but continue to inspire reading and the enjoyment of books. Enhanced by a versatile, futuristic setting by co-scenic designers Alan Donahue and Andrew Hildner, lit with imagination by Kevin D. Gawley and flavored by Eric Backus’ original music and sound design, younger theatergoers will be on the edge of their seats as this exhilarating saga unfolds before their eyes. A dark and stormy night has never seemed so scary, yet promised such an exciting story of love and hope."
The Fourth Walsh - Not Recommended
"...Sie hasn't introduced the characters enough for novices to the L'Engle story to understand and grasp what is transpiring. His shortcuts don't explain this wacky world. Kauzlaric's direction also has difficulty tethering us to the action. In one scene, a character is rescued from a prison cell. The 'walls' are invisible to the characters. The actors awkwardly pat the air to establish the parameters. It's clunky. Once they figure out how to break in, the rescue is lackluster. The emotion imagined for this type of reunion isn't there. A loving emotional response is only exhibited by Aunt Beast. Although Aunt is meant to be a comforting creature, its actions are straight-up creepy with what might be described as fondling a teenager."
Picture This Post - Highly Recommended
"...In the end, Kauzlaric created a strong ensemble piece. The main trio consisted of some strong actors with whom I sympathized. I wanted to see Cahill’s Meg succeed not only in finding her father, but also in finding herself, and coming to terms with her own special gifts. Obrero commanded the stage with his curious and brave Calvin, and Davis created a nice compliment with his innocent and inquisitive Charles Wallace."
NewCity Chicago - Recommended
"..."Wrinkle" blends the religion-tinged moralism of C.S. Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia" with Cold War anxieties about technology and social control. These are embodied in the CENTRAL Central Intelligence agency on Camazotz, a blandly evil, planet-scale Levittown where every child skips rope to the same beat. Pitted against the creepy conformity are the oddball young siblings Meg and Charles Wallace Murry and their outwardly more conventional friend, Calvin O'Keefe. Their goal is to rescue Meg and Charles Wallace's father-a government physicist whose space-warping experiments have landed him in extraterrestrial prison-and to combat a nameless, shadowy enemy that threatens to blot out the stars, suck the love and joy out of existence and presumably make America great again."
