Fight City at Factory Theater

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...Despite these narrative caveats, it's still a Factory show - and thus bursting with go-for-broke four-color characterization. Betancourt's Barb offers flashes of self-reflection between the posterior-kicking fight sequences. Walsh plays Margaret as an acerbic mama lioness who knows her time is ending. Boler's Erica and her band of psychopaths are sheer manic delight. While the thrusts toward social commentary don't cohere, "Fight City" offers the thrills of a summer popcorn film, up close and live."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...The many slow and repetitive melees that ensue make this an extremely predictable live-action beat 'em up. The final showdown between Burdon and Barb Davies (Jennifer Betancourt), a second-generation cop with a chip on her shoulder, has two fights' worth of exposition and feels like what's called a boss battle. Jill Oliver directs her first full production."

Windy City Times - Highly Recommended

"...Familiar faces also appearing among the PKs and SKs are Kim Bolar as archvillain Erica and Jennifer Betancourt as the idealistic Officer Davis, though Harrison Weger makes an auspicious debut as a much-maligned male rookie. Jill Oliver's direction keeps it all from dissolving into chaos-barely-and front-row spectators will be relieved to know that the copious fake blood used in the show is the washable kind from Gravity and Momentum products."

Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...The problem of power taints everyone and everything in this excellent ensemble. Abuse or desire of power makes for flawed heroes and surprisingly insightful villains. The real stars of the show, however, are Maureen Yasko and Chris Smith's fight choreography and playwright Scott OKen's dark alternate universe. At times surprising in its appropriation of contemporary problems, Fight City manages to create a broader critique of leaders and the led. Jill Oliver's direction keeps the action moving, though at times gets muddled by the convoluted storyline. Still, Fight City creates a thrilling origin story for the saga of Central City-hopefully more tales will follow."

Picture This Post - Somewhat Recommended

"...To this reviewer however, that isn’t enough to heartily recommend this play to anyone other than those who have a keen appetite for fight scenes. This play was BYOB and perhaps with alcohol the vulgarity may appear more humorous. Otherwise it feels flat. Surprisingly, one set of parents brought their three children to sit in the splatter zone. While it may feel "cool" to sit there if you are ten, some parents may not want their children to hear the sexually graphic dialogue that was throughout this play."

NewCity Chicago - Not Recommended

"...Despite the merits of the stage and the potential for a conversation on gender, police brutality and more, the script falls flat and leaves the audience out in the cold."