Equus at Redtwist Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...Not sure I agree with the use of American accents, but the acting itself is very good — the kind of committed performances that are Chicago's bread and butter. Scott Butler, in fetish gear, plays the horse Nugget with real attention to detail, and as the intense boy at the story's center, Andrew Jessop (who doubles as the set designer, creating a dark environment of paddocks) offers himself as a compelling mystery to his shrink (all tweeded up, Brian Parry is terrific). It's essentially a detective story dressed up in psychobabble, but you can't say it's not entertaining."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Where the earlier production honed in on the script's erotic elements, this one focuses on its preoccupation with spirituality. So much so, in fact, that it looks and feels like a pagan ritual. The result is a little overheated, but also eerie and mesmerizing--particularly the unsettling performance by Andrew Jessop, who plays Alan as an unpredictable, raw-eyed fanatic. Redtwist's first Equus may've been sexier, but this one is certainly scarier."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"... Following on the heels of its triumphant production of The Pillowman, Redtwist wisely amps up the thrills in Shaffer’s scenario, exploiting the tiny space’s enforced intimacy. Six equine masks loom above Dysart’s patient inquiries, while actors await their scenes in seats resembling straight-edged Anglican pews. This creepily effective, ritualistic design is by Jessop, who turns in a commanding performance as Strang: Whether sparring with the doctor or exultantly worshipping his horse-god, he memorably conveys the currents of emotion that seethe beneath the stable-hand’s repressed exterior. As Dysart, Parry has much more to say and less to do, but he effectively inhabits the doctor’s probing, skeptical mind. Uneven supporting performances help make the play’s first act at times a slog, but physically and emotionally exposed work by Bittinger and Jessop in the piece’s second half transmutes Shaffer’s dusty text into galloping life."

7DAYS - Highly Recommended

"...They call this a "psychological thriller" and they are so right! there are many scenes that will have you grabbing on to the hand of your loved one- the ending of act one is so powerful that you might go out for a smoke at intermission, even if you don't smoke! I will tell you that being in a 40 seat theater, only five feet from the stage area truly makes you feel that you are peeking in as the good doctor gets Alan to open up ( talk about a fly on the wall)- there is magic on Bryn Mawr again. The enchanting music by Christopher Kriz, the special lighting effects by Christopher Burpee all add to the magic that Colucci has recreated."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...The 2010 Redtwist Theatre production of Equus is serviceable with moments of truth but the interplay between Alan and Dysart lacks those magical mystical connections that raises Equus to the level of high drama. Brian Parry’s performance alone is reason enough to this show."