Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...The story of Levin’s obsession is complex and laced with huge personal demons, the incestuous nature of publishing and show biz, and the anti-Semitism and other political realities in this country before, during and after World War II. But the questions that most continually arise are these: Was Levin, named Sid Silver here (a performance by Mick Webber in need of more sweaty passion) so hellbent on being chosen to adapt Anne Frank’s diary for the stage because he believed he and Anne’s father, Otto Frank, had made a legal agreement, and that as a fervent Jewish-American and witness to the liberation of the concentration camps he was best suited for the job? Or was he more opportunistic than altruistic — desperate to build his career on the diary he first encountered by way of his young French wife? The truth might well be a very twisted blend of all these things."
Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...Silver may be insufferable, but that's because of the script, not Weber. From the very start, the actor captures all the intense passion Silver feels for Anne's story, with an enthusiasm that steadily plummets into despair as new hurdles get in his way. His costars are less successful, with Jenny Avery's rough French dialect obstructing the flow of Silver's scenes with his wife. In the first half, John Byrnes plays a string of intentionally one-dimensional executives so Silver is essentially interacting with slight variations on the same person, but he gets the opportunity to build a stronger character when he plays an Israeli military commander in Act II. It's a talented group of assembled by director Devon de Mayo, but a weak script and lackluster technical elements make this a less than compelling production."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...Compulsion is an interesting study of a historical battle involving one of the most powerful stories to emerge from the horrors of WWII. It is also a character sketch of the effects on a person when his determination becomes a passion fueled by idealism and a strong will that grows into a compulsion that is fueled by paranoia. We see Solver's rescission destroying himself and all around him. Compulsion is part cautionary tale and part historical drama. It proves that good intentions need to be kept in check unless they overwhelm. Mick Webber captures the moods and angst of Silver magnificently."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Recommended
"...Under the deft direction of Devon de Mayo, Weber’s moments of lucid amicability balance with his growing mania. We experience Weber’s heartfelt intent coupled with his bull-in-a-china-shop style. A passionate Weber argues every point with the obtuseness of the resolute. Avery and John Byrnes bring the normalcy in their multiple parts. Their various reactions to Weber’s crazy fill in the gap of the spiraling compulsion. The story captivated for its portrayal of the stalker-like fascination of Anne Frank. It also highlighted the interesting process of page to stage."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...This is a play that will make you think and maybe even question how we think. Silver will do anything to get "his" version of Frank's story on the stage- even lies and deception. He sues everyone who stands in his way and is willing to sacrifice all that he has built to reach this end. He was a noted author ( Levin, of course, "Frankie and Johnny" for one), who found himself so dedicated to telling his stry that his every waking moment was spent trying to get this done. This is a story of determination and love. The love is really about Sid's love for the work ( and maybe deep down for Anne's memory) and wanting to prove to the world that his way of telling the story was THE only way it should be told!"
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Recommended
"...Under Devon de Mayo's directing, the production moves along at a sprightly pace. In the director's notes in the program, de Mayo recognized Silver's strong personality-"a bully, arrogant, righteous, aggressive." Unfortunately, those battering ram traits define the character and may cost him sympathy among viewers who otherwise would take his side in his campaign to show the world the true Anne Frank. But Webber's volcanic performance is admirable in its commitment and intensity and the Silver/Levin story deserves to be heard."