Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...In its first half, it has moments of genuine revelation and (especially on Sadler's part), reveals real actorly guts. But it's tough to maintain a world like Kane's, and the actors don't all fully manage to keep the stakes high enough and the events spontaneous enough. Given the demands of the material, you want the show to scream a little louder, let go a little more, fight a bit harder."
Chicago Sun Times
- Recommended
"...director Karen Kessler has done a remarkable job with "Blasted." Best of all, she has put the spotlight on a twentysomething British-bred actress, Helen Sadler, who has "star" emblazoned all over her. She's slender as a reed -- with a face whose plainness morphs into stunning beauty, with eyes that speak volumes, and with a physical and emotional bravery that sets her apart from the moment she arrives onstage."
Daily Herald
- Recommended
"...If you are sensitive, squeamish or easily shocked, this show (solidly and fearlessly acted and directed) is not for you. If you can handle a barrage of brutality, you might give Sarah Kane's provocative but messy meditation on violence and the fear and rage that it underscores a try."
Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"...Kane's influences--including Beckett, Brecht, Pinter, and Shakespeare--are clear. But in Blasted she speaks with an authoritative, authentic, and passionate voice all her own. This superb midwest premiere conveys the play's tremendous intelligence as well as its visceral impact."
Gay Chicago Magazine
- Recommended
"...The dialogue is terse; the dramatic conflict mostly fiery despite the second half’s wallowing in self-pity and repetition. Sadler, a Chicago newcomer from England, is a beauty with great depth. Swearingen’s well-focused, darkly brooding persona always brings pleasure at watching this season veteran perform."
Time Out Chicago
- Somewhat Recommended
"...If its too-long-delayed Midwest premiere fails to shock, and somehow it does, in part it’s because daring storefront companies—A Red Orchid chief among them—have offered harder-hitting looks at the human condition in which stage blood and simulated sex meant more than they do here."
ChicagoCritic
- Highly Recommended
"...This weird tale of terror, insanity and sexuality is a star making role for English actress Helen Sadler. Guy Van Swearingen once again demonstrates his fearlessly powerful stage presence and his amazing acting talent. Hans Fleischmann is intensely scary as the beastly soldier."
