Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...The act has its moments in director Devon De Mayo’s minimally staged production, but it’s hard to imagine anyone being disappointed at the arrival of intermission, not least because the battle between the sisters always seems to be occurring with the dial very far to the danger zone of overheating. This feels much like a play born of an MFA and an Ivy League education, a young writer’s likely autobiographical piece about the difficulty of then returning to a world removed from these issues that inform almost every second of a campus life, but later become subsumed by issues of mortality, complexity and, well, nuance."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...Had "In Every Generation" ended there, it would be a didactic but smart and moving exploration of religion as ritual and vice versa. But Viterbi adds a fourth scene, one that transports us all the way back to "1416 BCE"-the O.G. Passover. Except the ancient Jews are speaking in a strangely modern American vernacular-and also lapsing into Italian?"
Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...The last scene feels oddly superfluous and anticlimactic, undercutting the tensions that de Mayo and Viterbi build so carefully in the near-dystopian future of 2050. We’ve grown to understand these characters over the first three scenes so well that this coda feels unnecessary and self-conscious, reducing them at times almost to caricatures. Still, Viterbi’s dialogue, de Mayo’s staging, and the rich performances offer us plenty to consider about survival, fear, and love. Even if the narrative line gets a little crooked by the end."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Directed by Devon de Mayo, the actors here play the same five characters in several scenes unfolding in 50 year time jumps, past and present. Passover is clearly a sacred tradition to the Levi-Katz family, and we begin in present day as the family gathers. Cast by The Chicago Inclusion Project, the first vignette begins with divorced mother, Valeria (Eli Katz) welcoming her teen daughters and aging parents for the cherished traditional meal. Esther Fishbein plays spirited Yael, a college-aged activist, currently vegan and shockingly dating outside of her faith. Grandmother Paola, a scene stealing Carmen Roman, wants her to settle down with a nice Jewish man instead. Grandfather Davide (Paul Dillon) needs constant caregiving, so enter the fifth member of this quintet, over-achieving, studious daughter Dev. Sarah Lo plays the tightly-wound adopted daughter and caretaker to her grandfather."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Recommended
"...Shifting between past and present, the storyline of In Every Generation discusses topics regarding divorce, homosexuality, adoption, sibling rivalry, and expectations of continuing the Jewish traditions. I love historical stories and In Every Generation fits the bill; however, it jumps in and out of its primary focus, confusing its audience and losing its compelling and significant message. Victory also needs to inform its audience that some of the conversations will be in different languages, translated into English by viewing a screen above the stage. Unfortunately, in several cases, they provided no translation. Overall, I enjoy In Every Generation, but I fear that some will genuinely miss the message if they are not familiar with this historical family tradition."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...The main theater has been redone and is now a stage with seating on two sides ( not round or arena style) but the backstage area now has seats and the stage area has been expanded. I am unsure as to if this was done for this play or if this is the new look for the future ( new direction with new Artistic Director), but for this particular production, sharply directed by Devon de Mayo. It worked well with this story."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...Ali Viterbi’s latest play is having a fine, first fully-staged production here in Chicago. Soon this play will open in San Diego and it’ll undoubtedly go on to become a popular title in theatres around the country, particularly during Passover. While Jewish audiences will no doubt enjoy this play the most, details about the Seder, Passover and the Jewish religion in general will enlighten everyone and serve as a learning experience for others. And in the end, this warm story that spans generations is a universal tale of love, caring, acceptance, coping with adversity and achieving one’s goals."
Third Coast Review - Somewhat Recommended
"...The story is set during family seder dinners of the Levi-Katz family. Act one takes place in 2019 and sets the scene for parts two to four, which make up act two. Daughters Yael (Esther Fishbein) and Devorah (Sarah Lo) are home for the dinner prepared by their mother Valeria (Eli Katz). The two family members who are Holocaust survivors-their lively grandmother Paola (Carmen Roman) and grandfather Davide (Paul Dillon), who is disabled-join them in prayer, conversation and feasting."
PicksInSix - Recommended
"..."In Every Generation" may be centered around a Jewish tradition, but the investigation of one's intentions behind traditions and the mysteries of inherited trauma are universal. And it unites the audience, by highlighting the shared questions we have behind the human condition, no matter which generations, across every generation, reminding us that it's only natural to question our own existence and to examine the true motives behind our behavior."
Picture This Post - Highly Recommended
"...The Passover seder is rooted in Jewish tradition; however, in this writer's opinion, the stress of family gatherings and repressed drama are sure to feel relatable to anyone witnessing these scenes unfold. As much as Viterbi's story exposes the dangers of generational trauma, she also highlights the importance of hope. You too might feel that the uplifting reminders juxtaposed against the stark reality of trauma affecting the generations makes the story even more powerful. A stellar ensemble and a deeply moving script makes In Every Generation a play to remember."
Splash Magazine - Somewhat Recommended
"...The play as a whole, while well intended, feels at times unfocused and not leading anywhere in terms of theme and purpose, while also trying too hard to get the point across. What is more obvious as the scenes intertwined with each other, is how the importance of family, faith, tradition and following your heart, is portrayed on stage. It is important to follow your heart, even if it does not completely stay in line with tradition. Also worth noting is how the jumps through time provide an interesting perspective of the family members, their lives and how they interact with others throughout three generations. The play shows the importance of everyone following their own path, even if it sometimes falls outside of traditional norms."
BroadwayWorld - Recommended
"...Director Devon de Mayo keeps the production moving at a compelling pace as audiences wait to see how the four distinct scenes will fit together. Likewise, the ensemble gives lovely, understated performances. The characters are grounded in realism, and the actors give just the right energy to their roles. In some moments, emotions run high but that all feels true to the fact that Jewish holidays often bring up family tension. Carmen Roman and Paul Dillon are moving as Paola and Davide; the pair have a natural rapport that makes us believe in their affectionate and companionate love for one another."
NewCity Chicago - Not Recommended
"...It’s all very twee and postmodern, and undoubtedly some will enjoy playwright Viterbi’s portrayal of the Passover story as an archetypal scenario of sitcom-level family drama, in which nothing changes over time. But this approach trivializes history, treating everything from sibling rivalry to genocide with equal seriousness."
