Amadeus at Steppenwolf Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...I'd say that Robert Falls, who ran the Goodman Theatre inestimably well for more than 35 years, has a good sense by now of the issues of this play. (Falls returned to Chicago theater to direct this play in place of Anna D. Shapiro, who left for health reasons but is now doing better.) Certainly, his lively in-the-round production reflects that sophistication of thematic understanding as one watches Antonio Salieri (Ian Barford), a mediocre court composer smart enough to know his own mediocrity, take down the rising Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (David Darrow, in a fantastic Steppenwolf debut)."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...Falls has a faultless ensemble, led by Ian Barford's Salieri and David Darrow's Mozart. The dialogue is often in the howling key of Sturm und Drang, especially when Salieri rails against a God who gave all-but-unimaginable talent to an "obscene boy" prone to fart jokes."

Daily Herald - Highly Recommended

"...Among the many joys of Steppenwolf Theatre’s magnificent revival of “Amadeus” — Peter Shaffer’s fictionalized depiction of 18th-century composers Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — are the playwright’s intimations of what might have inspired several Mozart arias."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...The Mozart created by Shaffer and embodied by Darrow is indeed a profane and insulting piece of work, as well as a horndog. (In costumer Amanda Gladu’s vision, Mozart sports a punklike bright fuchsia wig and garish frock coat, in stark contrast to the posh but more understated togs of the court.) The first time Salieri meets him, the younger man is in hot pursuit of the woman who will become his wife, Constanze (a compelling Jaye Ladymore)—a woman who, as their fortunes decline later in the play, will hold the unseen Leopold to blame for never letting his son truly become a man."

Talkin Broadway - Highly Recommended

"...Steppenwolf Theatre Company continues its fiftieth anniversary season with Peter Shaffer's Amadeus. The production, directed by Robert Falls, features a smart, sleek staging that wisely foregrounds its outstanding and moving performances, particularly from Ian Barford, whose Salieri is a blend of villainous and tortured befitting of an opera."

Stage and Cinema - Recommended

"...Steppenwolf's in-the-round production of Amadeus, directed by Robert Falls, takes a sparse approach to design, perhaps by necessity, or perhaps to highlight the juxtaposition between the court's stiff opulence and Mozart's descent into poverty - but with mixed success. The performances, however, are in no way sparse, and there are moments of splendor to be found."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...This is a deep show, while also being entertaining. As someone who has been an extra in many of Mozart 's operas. there was a sense of joy at the end that despite it all we still have his music. And what music it is."

Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended

"...Steppenwolf spared no expense in assembling a brilliant ensemble featuring the talents of William Dick, Ora Jones, Jaye Ladymore, Gregory Linnington, John Lister, Yasen Peyankov, Joey Slotnick, Erica Stephan, and the remarkably multitalented Sawyer Smith. This astounding array of performers held the audience spellbound from the opening scene, delivering an unforgettable theatrical experience. The play's theatricality was truly outstanding, skillfully blending art, talent, and storytelling. Despite its nearly three-hour runtime, it captivated the audience throughout, keeping them enthralled from beginning to end."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Over my many years of reviewing theater in Chicago and surrounding areas, I have always found Steppenwolf Theatre Company to be one of the most consistent in performance quality. They have several different stage areas, allowing them the freedom to tackle almost any project that they feel their audiences will enjoy. The newest of these, "The Ensemble Theater", an in-the-round/arena stage, is the perfect setting for the theatrical version of Peter Shaffer's Oscar and Tony Award winning masterpiece, "Amadeus", and who better to direct this amazing work, but Chicago legend Robert Falls."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...Steppenwolf Theatre absolutely impresses with their current production of Sir Peter Shaffer's contemporary classic, AMADEUS. This is an play that's filled with music and menace and takes another look at a murder myth. In Robert Falls' capable hands, this arena production fulfills the theatre's mission to create thrilling, courageous and provocative art in a thoughtful, inclusive environment. Produced with talent, humor and an abundance of style, Steppenwolf Theatre is once again presenting another exciting and exquisite production that definitely should be on everyone's holiday list."

Buzz Center Stage - Highly Recommended

"...Safe to say Steppenwolf's revival of Peter Shaffer's Amadeus is "fetes and fireworks". Robert Falls makes his directorial debut at Steppenwolf after recently retiring from his role as Goodman Theatre artistic director. To say his new production of Amadeus makes a splash would be an understatement. Falls brings his signature vision to the still new in-the-round stage at Steppenwolf for a thrilling evening of theatre."

The Fourth Walsh - Somewhat Recommended

"...Director Robert Falls does infuse humorous moments into the series of monologues. His highly amusing Venticellos (Ora Jones and Sawyer Smith) provide sparkle, snark and wit. A colorful David Darrow (Mozart) charms with his unassuming yet confident presence. An obtuse Darrow unwittingly bests Barford at every turn. Later, he and Jaye Ladymore (Constanze) very intentionally get bawdy. The couple are hilariously naughty in their playful romp. And on the other end of the spectrum, a subtle and majestic Gregory Linington (Joseph II) nails the comedy with a single look or word."

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Whenever I speak or hear the name, his glorious and stirring Requiem is the first thing that springs to mind. Sir Peter Shaffer's Amadeus is now playing at Steppenwolf Theatre, and it is a gorgeous elegy for the genius that is Mozart. I say 'is' because his music lives, giving him an immortality that few possess. The story is told from the viewpoint of Antonio Salieri, a long-maligned composer whose manipulation and plotting led to Mozart's mental and physical demise. Tony Award-winning director Robert Falls makes his Steppenwolf debut at the helm of this brilliant staging."

Chicago Theater and Arts - Recommended

"...The impertinent Mozart, brilliantly played here by David Darrow, is portrayed as an arrogant even silly manchild. It is revealed that the social and interpersonal skills of the former prodigy have been stunted by his overbearing father who managed his life up until this time. This has left the young man, now himself a father and husband, unable to manage his own affairs."

Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended

"...Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus is a brilliant piece of drama that features two performers at the top of their game, a (fictional) mystery, the music of Mozart, and a whole lot to love. Along with half of the country, it seemed, I saw the 1984 Milos Forman movie, but this is my first encounter with the stage version that preceded it. I’m glad to finally become acquainted."

PicksInSix - Highly Recommended

"...As Mozart, Darrow is a captivating personality, absorbing early scenes with boyish, frenzied enthusiasm, frolicking with his fiance Contanze Weber (a poised and elegant performance by Jaye Ladymore) and cleverly taunting the conservative members of the court who regard his demeanor as disrespectful and revolting. If there is a clear turning point for Mozart, it occurs when he accepts Salieri into his trust offering no possible recovery. With Mozart's demise complete, Salieri has won a fruitless victory fraught with guilt and regret."

Chicago Culture Authority - Highly Recommended

"...This Amadeus is smart, funny and assured from beginning to end. Thanks in large part to Barford's dynamic, empathetic performance, it is a triumph."

Splash Magazine - Recommended

"...Barford is thoroughly emotive as the tortured/nefarious Salieri; whether he’s attempting to bribe and blackmail Mozart’s wife, or suck up to the king, Joseph II of the then Holy Roman Empire, brother to Marie Antoinette. Darrow as Mozart has an incredibly mobile face, by turns giddy, sly, seductive, fiercely concentrating, dejected. His physicality is agile and quick; it’s hard to take your eyes off him. Ladymore as Mozart’s lover, then wife, is likewise beguiling; she’s true to him but fearful of the downward spiral of his luck. This is a period piece par excellence, largely conceived, largely told."

Werner's Theatre Reviews - Highly Recommended

"...With dynamic performances, meticulous design, and Robert Falls' confident direction, Steppenwolf's Amadeus highlights the timeless battle between artistic brilliance and human frailty. Whether audiences arrive with nostalgia for the film or curiosity about the original text, they will find a staging that is rich in detail, alive with theatricality, and deeply committed to the story's emotional pulse. As the final notes of Mozart's music echo through the theater, Steppenwolf delivers a stirring reminder of why this tale of genius,and envy continues to resonate across generations. With a second extension given the day after opening night, this is a performance you do not want to miss."

BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended

"...AMADEUS at Steppenwolf Theatre Company is a lively and sprawling production of Peter Shaffer’s play. Director Robert Falls, the recently retired former Goodman Theatre Artistic Director, makes his Steppenwolf directorial debut with one of the best uses of Steppenwolf’s Ensemble Theater I’ve seen. The open play space can pose a challenge because it doesn’t allow for a traditional proscenium staging, but it’s a great fit for AMADEUS."

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Falls inherited the powdered wigs and such for “Amadeus,” yet it is refreshing how contemporary and understated the work feels. Salieri (Ian Barford) is not overreactive. He is always blocking Mozart professionally in a detached way while still able to appreciate—and even be moved by—Mozart’s otherworldly gifts. David Darrow’s Mozart is not a superficial goof but a coddled, lustful and coarse self-assured genius making his way through his own creative world, while trying to navigate the everyday world as well."