Corpus Delicti Reviews

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Though playwright David Alex does a decent job setting up the characters and conflicts in the first act, the second act falls apart due to his implausible depiction of laughably inept police work. Under Wayne Mell's direction, the actors strain to bring credibility to the story, without success."

Time Out Chicago - Not Recommended

"...There is one brilliant bright spot in this production-Michael Bullaro as Virgil, a homeless veteran whom Durante befriends. Virgil is easy company, amusing and sad and loving. We've all probably met a Virgil, that guy who's so used to being dismissed he's come out the other side and is as insistent and un-self-conscious as a billionaire. Bullaro is so alive in his odd poses, twitches and shuffles, you forget his character is stuck on a bench the whole play. It's a shame Virgil has no place in the plot."

Stage and Cinema - Not Recommended

"...On opening night Wayne Mell’s skittish staging slowed down the action until everything seemed underlined and italicized in boldface. The best thing going here is Bullaro’s well-grounded hobo. He’s a simple survivor whose silly desire to count freight cars is, given the story that surrounds him, as much innocence as Corpus Delecti can afford."

Around The Town Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"... It is sometimes difficult to do a rating on a review. In the case of  “Corpus Delicti”, written by local playwright David Alex, now experiencing its World Premiere at The Greenhouse Theater Center, it is even harder as I am well acquainted with David and have loved many of his previous shows. This one, presented by MadKap productions, who have brought his last two plays to the stage, is, in my opinion, not ready for “prime time” yet. The ingredients are there! It is a different story for David as the main character is not involved with Mathmatics ( David’s previous life) and while David Mell, Director has put together a solid cast and the set by Robert D. Estrin is one of the highest quality sets I have ever seen in the upstairs “studio” at The Greenhouse- it is amazing. Lesley Fisher’s props are also outstanding and Scott Pillsbury’s lighting along with Bill Morey’s costumes complete the tech portion of the play. There are some wonderful musical interludes as well."

Chicago Theatre Review - Somewhat Recommended

"...One of the best elements of this production, besides Mr. Bullaro’s likable, believable character, is Robert D. Estrin’s realistically designed and executed set, atmospherically lit by Scott Pillsbury. This is the finest scenic and lighting design ever to grace the Greenhouse Upstairs Studio space. Director Wayne Mell, who did such a fine job directing “Clutter,” has pushed much of this production into melodrama. If this is the style of the piece then every actor needs to be on the same page. A more realistic, less heavy-handed approach and tighter pacing, however, would seem better suited to Alex’s story. Keeping the play and all of its characters honest and grounded would deeply affect the audience and leave it with a message."