Hershel and The Hanukkah Goblins presented by Strawdog Theatre Company at Live Online

Around The Town Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...It is not my aim to pan shows during the pan-demic, but "Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins" has its problems. Despite its lofty ambitions, the way in which its thematic elements are brought together makes watching the performance somewhat disappointing. It suffers from being highly amateurish in appearance and artistry, and there are weaknesses in the script."

Chicago Theatre Review - Somewhat Recommended

"...Strawdog Theatre's attempt to join the many Chicago venues who are presenting holiday plays and musicals, while trying to keep their audiences safe and their actors and theatre artists employed, is admirable. This year's viral presentation is, unfortunately, not quite as thrilling as the company's previous live presentations of this family play. It does fill a void in the holiday offerings, but with a little more imagination this refreshing children's play might've been more captivating."

Chicago Theater and Arts - Recommended

"...Even though this really is a show for young children, adults will likely get caught up in the clever ways that Hershel tricks the goblins who have infested a small village and its old synagogue."

TotalTheater - Recommended

"...The absence of communal pandemonium necessitated by online performance/viewing cannot help but diminish adrenalin levels, despite prodigious smiles and sparkle generated by a four-member cast in service of an adventure inspired by a miracle of modest spectacle and still struggling with household-grade technical equipment (unfiltered lighting instruments, in particular). In a season where the whole world feels like the refugee Maccabees looking for escape from a darkness exceeding Nature's usual solstice gloom, however, Strawdog's family-friendly pageant-in this, its second year, available to cultures previously wary of one another-invites us to acknowledge our fellowship in mutual conviviality."