Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...The cast is an ensemble of powerhouses, anchored by Charín Álvarez (who was also in Chicago’s original production of Anna in the Tropics at Victory Gardens) as the matriarch who holds things down. Lauren Nichols’s expansively detailed set recreates a factory replete with a high, wooden-beam ceiling and towers of crates, barrels, and cigar boxes piled high"
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, a company that brings real stories to life, is now presenting Nilo Cruz’ “Anna in the Tropics”, a masterpiece that takes us back in time and allows us a peek into the lives of a family that is dedicated to making the cigars that will bring pleasure to men all over the world. Smoothly directed by Laura Alcala Baker ,on a wonderful set designed by Lauren Nichols, we are in Ybor City in Tampa, a Cuban community."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...The range, color, tone and music of Nilo Cruz’s drama is the result of the fine guidance and trust instilled by Director Laura Alcalá Baker. A challenge for any director to bring so much passion to the stage, Ms. Baker has achieved success with this production. She’s leaned into the language and stressed Cruz’s lyrical dialogue. And with a capable, truly talented cast of actors, a night of poetry and passion await audiences that is as entertaining as it is enlightening."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...‘Anna in the Tropics’ is a brilliant take on a classic. Cruz in some ways brings more passion to this already romantic story. Could this play operate without the direct relationship with the novel? Probably not, but a lack of familiarity with the novel in no way impedes on the emotional experience of the play. Remy Bumppo has arranged a perfect cast led by three incredible actresses. Laura Alcala Baker’s vision for this production has a style of its own, rather than just a faithful restaging. An infectious flirtation runs throughout this unique play."
The Fourth Walsh - Somewhat Recommended
"...ANNA IN THE TROPICS has a lot going for it, including Lauren M. Nichols’ dynamic set design. The idea of a factory of people falling in love with a book is especially endearing. To work from page to stage, the passion needs to be implosive. In some pivotal spots, the tension feels missing. Characters’ actions are more contrived than emotionally driven. The resulting sex or violence doesn’t seem quite earned."
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...Desire is a theme of Anna in the Tropics, the so-very-sensual play that won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for playwright Nilo Cruz. The new production by Remy Bumppo Theatre, directed by Laura Alcala Baker, plays with many levels of desire in staging this beautiful tragedy of workers in a cigar factory and the story of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina."
Life and Times - Recommended
"...Director Laura Alcalá Baker has assembled a group of very capable actors for the Remy Bumppo Theatre Company production now running through March 19 at Theatre Wit in Chicago’s Belmont Theatre District."
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...Directed by Laura Alcala Baker, Cruz's story is rooted in the poetry of Tolstoy's words. Baker's production is fast-paced and embraces the lyric, poetic nature of Tolstoy's work. Making use of actor-musicians, we see actors play music that mirrors the increasing pace of the story. As a result, you may even find that the music draws you further into the world - inviting your heartbreak to quicken alongside those on stage."
NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...Still, the audience was clearly enjoying something, so let me list the production’s strong points: director Baker’s smooth pacing and effective blocking; Lauren Nichols’ lovely, lived-in, multilevel set; and Rigo Saura’s and J. Sebastian Fabál’s blend of dance and music (including Tina Muñoz Pandya’s jazzy accordion licks), which provides a joyful, playful counterpoint to the sometimes talky scenes."
