Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...The House Theatre of Chicago has pursued a 12-year love affair with the famously warring Hatfields of West Virginia and McCoys of Kentucky. This Chicago theater, known for its innovative original works with mythic underpinnings, clearly sees Shakespearean echoes in the famous family feud, the closest American equivalent, they here imply, to the sectarian War of the Roses, the main source for the great Elizabethan history plays."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...The song, "One Book," is a folksy yet ominous country tune about how religion is sometimes used as a weapon to escalate human tensions - not resolve them. And the patriarchs of the House McCoy and the House Hatfield are both deeply religious men. Ol Ranl McCoy (Anish Jethmalani) responds to nearly every conflict with a desire to turn the other cheek and a shout of "go get your Bibles." Devil Anse Hatfield (Robert D. Hardaway), meanwhile, is a hellfire-and-brimstone preacher. His song "Galilee" packs all the passion of a Baptist summer revival, except the cries of "amen" and "hallelujah" are augmented with a sea of pistols waving to the heavens."
Theatre By Numbers - Somewhat Recommended
"...Thus, the power in “Hatfield & McCoy” lies less in its mix of history and literature, and more in the excited rhythms and movements of its design and set pieces. Swapping one old story for another dims its theatrical exploration, but if you can accept that no new ground is being trod here, “Hatfield & McCoy” might provide a thrilling evening of drama, even if it never escalates into full-blown tragedy."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Anyone who knows The House Theatre of Chicago, is aware that what they present is not your “ordinary theater fare”. They are unique! They are The House! Their current production, written by company member Shawn Pfautsch is a drama with music inspired by the true story of the famous feuding families, The McCoys and the Hatfields (families that lived near the border of West Virginia and Kentucky) which first was done back in 2006. This new version, has added a mixture of music spanning Bluegrass, Folk, Rock and Pop in the re-telling of this story about these famous, or should I say, “infamous” families. The music by Pfautsch and Matt Kahler, does add some special flavor to an already brilliant story, and they have also included a touch of “Rome & Juliet” to make the point. The star-crossed lovers in this story are Rose Anna McCoy ( brilliantly played by Haley Bolithon) and Johnse Hatfield (deftly handled by Kyle Whalen)."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...Strong performances abound in this production. Directed with energy and earnest passion, this company’s signature mixture of a good story, live music, strong vocals and inventive choreography all meld together, creating an exciting drama. Although a little too long, it’s a story that’s part of American history and folklore and definitely worth a visit."
The Fourth Walsh - Somewhat Recommended
"...Still, some of the theatrics, I really enjoyed. I loved the drunken antics of Sam McCoy (played by the noteworthy Bradley Grant Smith). And the song (co-composed by Pfautsch and Matt Kahler) and dance illustrating Bad Lias Hatfield's (played by Jeff Mills) surgery is gory elegance. The hollow appearance of the dead as Mills rises up from the bench is powerfully breathtaking. This is the true essences of the play, the real feud between life and death. The well-rehearsed number is perfection. Some of the other numbers aren't as finessed."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...What American is unfamiliar with the long-lasting Capulet and Montague-like feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys? They were two proud families whose shared enmity resulted in constant fighting and bloodshed in the late 1800s. Their very names are now synonymous with extended hatred between any two groups. The feud has passed into American folklore and has been the subject of numerous television and film projects. Hatfield & McCoy, House Theatre's new production of its own 2006 play, now directed by Matt Hawkins, brings the infamous interfamily fight to the stage in a play packed with Americana songs (and at least one that resembles modern pop), extraordinary acting, and plenty of gunfire and blood. Despite its nearly three hour length, it is a very entertaining and memorable performance."
Picture This Post - Somewhat Recommended
"...The House Theatre's production of Hatfield & McCoy is overflowing with theatricality. Audiences will surely revel in its live music, stage combat, and eye-popping special effects, although some may appreciate a more focused narrative. There's no denying the timeliness of this retelling, even if its tragic ending may ring more hopeless than hopeful."
NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...All in all it was a humdrum evening at the theater. The House Theatre is creative and their plays are beautiful to look at, but I look forward to the day when their scripts and stories are as thoughtful as their spectacle."