Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...Sadly, this 95-minute verbal “hustle,” now receiving its world premiere at Writers’ Theatre under the direction of William Brown, is a wholly unconvincing riff — one that is more annoying than involving, despite the fervent efforts of its four expert performers. It may just have you opting out of the offer to “play” from very early on."
Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...Do the Hustle follows Eddie and Sam through a series of cons that are small potatoes in monetary terms but ultimately devastating in their implications. And William Brown's production for Writers' Theatre never flinches from the play's intensity."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...Ever been hustled with the shell game? That is how these guys work with a duo that can fool even the smartest of victims. By the end of the show it is so much to watch the twists and turns that the plot brings. The drama is full of surprises as it comes to a head for the final scam. No one likes to feel robbed of money or time and, lucky for the audience, that doesn't happen with Do The Hustle."
Copley News Service - Recommended
"...Brett Neveu’s “Do the Hustle” at the Writers’ Theatre is a slender play, filled with unsavory characters who spend most of the show’s 85-minute duration snarling and cursing at each other. But it does offer diversions in the form of slight of hand con games two grifters inflict on gullible victims, known in the con lexicon as “marks.”"
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...
But it’s the scenes between Eddie and Sam that impress the most. Both Neveu and Brown are remarkably willing to indulge long, naturalistic silences between these two tricksters negotiating a delicate point in their relationship, and Guinan and Andrews—who established a similar rapport last season as Donny and Bobby in Steppenwolf’s American Buffalo—are extraordinarily in tune. There’s a natural tension in watching the pair’s hustles, but the tension between them is even stronger. Ultimately, Sam has to decide how willing he is to con himself."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Do The Hustle is a fantastic play. It may not be a new classic; it may not be an Arcadia or a When the Rain Stops Falling; but it is nevertheless an excellent piece of theatre. And it is a true pleasure to see it in a space as special as the Writers’ Theatre, with clever sets, great music, and actors as fine as these."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...Neveu’s works are all over town right now and in viewing them , one can see that he is able to get into the heads of his characters, allowing us to enter the minds of people who are far different from those in the viewing audience. Watching hi characters is an education and this cast handles them in an amazing way. Writers’ is known for its ability to focus on the playwrights words and in their intimate theaters ,make the audience feel as if they are witness to actual happenings. We are as close as one can get to the action which is one of the wonderful aspects of viewing a production at either of the stages in Glencoe ,known as Writers’ Theatre."
Chicago Theater Beat - Somewhat Recommended
"...Under the direction of William Brown, the long con is paced dynamically. Set-ups transition into the next with movable doors (scenic designer Kevin Depinet) that illustrate the location. Andrew Hansen (sound designer) aids in the placement with doors opening to street noises. With minimal furnishings and props, the door generated sounds set the scene. The focal point is the action. And Brown directs it to loathsome heights. Francis Guinan (Eddie) is perfect as a fast-talking louse. Patrick Andrews (Sam) acts out cons of cons with masterful earnest but malicious intent. Joe Minoso and Karen Janes Woditsch excel in multiple roles. Minoso goes from invalid to pawn to rifleman with extensive versatility. Woditsch plays shrew from every angle. The cast is wonderful! I just don’t like any of them. In the end, Do The Hustle had a great beat but I couldn’t dance to it."
