Chicago Reader
- Somewhat Recommended
"...According to a display in the lobby, the rally will turn into the infamous Days of Rage, but none of that tension-or information-comes through in Robert Tenges's script. The actors, particularly Shawna Tucker as Monica, do what they can with the material they're given, but it's not enough."
Windy City Times
- Recommended
"...Originally workshopped by the New Group in New York, Elsewhere feels at home at the side project, a tiny 28-seat theater east of the Jarvis Red Line stop. In their third collaboration together, artistic director Adam Webster and Chicago playwright Robert Tenges create a mundane, yet profound, series of mostly two-person scenes that rotate mostly clockwise about the stage. Both Webster and Tenges have learned what resonates in the intimate space: subtle, realistic staging, language and emotion."
Centerstage
- Recommended
"...The play has a lovely structure, telling the separate stories of mother and son in parallel. Although their relationship is the heart of the piece, they share relatively little stage time."
Time Out Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Tenges has a fine ear for the voices of folksy Christian Midwesterners in this series of brief, impressionistic, mostly two-person scenes. If the trajectory doesn't lead to any real climax, it's full of provocative moments about what it means to be in a family, in a marriage or in love. The snug side-project space only intensifies this moving, very intimate and at times disturbing production. Much of its power comes from the acting-Don Hall stands out as creepy charmer Walter, and Shawna Tucker brings a wise, honest vulnerability to Monica-as well as the tight pacing, heightening the sense of frenetic urgency."
ShowBizChicago
- Highly Recommended
"...The side project is a wonderful production company and they do many great works, bringing many enjoyable showcases to Rogers Park. Being a resident, I am proud to say it is fabulous that the community is growing and is now becoming known for its artistic talent. The intimate theater settings of the Lifeline, No Exit Cafe, and Side Project theaters are precious and need to be supported and experienced. Granted, not all of the productions are going to be wonderful all of the time. However, the experience that should not be missed."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Scenes presented were very 'Mad Men' esque and when the characters were trying to throw in hints at the time period some explanation was needed for the younger folks in the crowd. Robert Tenges (playwright) set about intermixing a political era drama with a rousing look at the dynamics of women and men in a time when gender equality was heavily cloaked in mascara, booze, and cigarettes. The taste left in my mouth at the end of the play was one of wonder, and I suppose that is a sign that it left an impression on me although i'm still trying to figure out what that impression is?"
