Fifth of July presented by Infamous Commonwealth Theatre at Raven Theatre

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...There are the usual recriminations and revelations, but Wilson's compassion for his characters overcomes contrivance and the play develops into a mostly warmhearted argument for blooming where one is planted. Edward Morgan's staging for Infamous Commonwealth Theatre has both halting moments and delights. Roy Gonzalez nearly steals the show as stoner musician Weston, with his deadpan telling of a story about a flatulent Eskimo."

Centerstage - Somewhat Recommended

"...This is a play with a good deal of wit, insight and humanity. Unfortunately it also suffers from shoddy construction. It’s terribly confusing at first, with very little information as to who these characters are and what their relationships are to each other. Exposition can be awkward but it’s a necessary evil. It’s also wordy to a point that the cast can’t do much to improve its slow pacing."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...Morgan’s production doesn’t really dig up new insights into this sprawling blend of Altman and Chekhov; instead, we get a plainspoken revival of a major American play. Not everyone in the cast has fully settled into the rhythms of Wilson’s speech, a sometimes awkward blend of hipspeak and lyricism. Roy Gonzalez as session guitarist Wes brings a fine, absurd humor to a bizarre Alaskan folktale, while Dunn’s fierce, sensitive performance as Ken Talley is this Fifth of July’s emotional core."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...Some of Wilson’s humor lands but the show feels forced and uneven. The trauma of being stuck in the past used both to avoid change and to avoid responsibility is hinted at but not fully realized in this production. After a few false starts, the Fifth of July finally builds enough dramatic tension to makes its points. Stephan Dunn, Josh Atkins and Joanne Rioplle were particularly excellent. If you stay engaged, the Fifth of July will deliver a worthy family saga."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...Wilson’s down to earth, country writing was an enjoyable reminder of home that I found rather exciting. His characters are simple, and yet have wondrous stories to tell. The only regret I had about the play was its lack of conflict that we yearn for as an audience. During the first hour and a half, I was desperately looking for a source of story that would keep these characters together, never finding it until the last ten minutes of the play. “Fifth of July” paints a very nice scene of country living, almost as if you were sitting on the front porch looking in but the slow paced dramatic fulfillment may cause you to wander your eyes at certain points."

Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended

"...While this is a faithful revival of Wilson’s work, it doesn’t necessarily take many risks. Morgan gives us a crisp clean production that simply tells the story. A few more eccentricities throughout the cast may have aided in adding more intrigue to this family drama that is light on highly dramatic events. Nevertheless, it’s an interesting and transportive look into what the rebellious generation of the 60’s turned into a decade later. Many gave up their fight, and some held onto it. Resentment against Vietnam vets lingered on, as is evident with Kenneth, who made the decision not to run from the draft. It was a turbulent time, which is a point only hinted upon in Wilson’s play. With Shirley we see the next generation arising in the 80’s as she shouts at one point, “Me, me, me!”"