Being Seen at The Den Theatre

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...I’m not sure Gustin’s play really has a lot to say about that search for a dream, no matter the cost. That theater is as full of charlatans and toxic narcissists as any other creative endeavor surely isn’t news. And given our increasing awareness of just how damaging some of these mind games can be, it’s not always easy to mark the line between satire and reality in this show. But at least Being Seen puts a welcome spotlight on its stars. Clark in particular deserves to, well, be seen."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...What would you do for a dream? We all have goals in life ( or should) . The world of theater is unique in that once a show closes, the actors are back to being unemployed. If you think about "A Chorus Line" and all of those dancers baring their souls in order to "get that show", then watching "Being Seen", now making its Chicago Premiere at The Den Theatre, you will witness a very similar scene."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...This deeply resonant play is about how, in every sense of the word, that basic human desire is denied, disregarded, degraded, derided, and rendered an utterly absurd fantasy by the arrogant and unfeeling forces that surround us and that express interest in us only as a source of money for whatever often-spurious enterprise or object they are attempting to sell us."

Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended

"...For those who love theater, “Being Seen” is a delicious window into the heart of the actors’ world. Written and directed by Richard Gustin, with excellent performances by Will Clinger as a sinister director, and Kelly Anne Clark as an auditioning actor, this show at the Den Theatre offers 90 minutes of tension and humor that at its best moments reminded me of Tom Stoppard, with notes of Pinter."

The Fourth Walsh - Somewhat Recommended

"...Gustin’s dialogue is riddled with theatrical intellectualisms. Clinger asks a piercing question. Clark responds with a lengthy and often awkward litany of her thespian experiences. Clinger requests to see an emotion or transformation. Clark quickly reciprocates by distorting her face or falling to the ground. The strong performances are impressive. Clark, in particular, is constantly acting with a wide range of emotion and ongoing motion. She wants ‘the part’ and is willing to do anything to get it. Although the back and forth is engaging, the staging itself is a bit challenging."