Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Mabel's inner torment over the WKKK's treatment of minorities is the central tension of the story, played with grace and anguish by Cohen, but the creation of Lucinda and Doris's belief systems could use more exploration. In one moment, Doris complains about the harsh judgment of women in a pie baking contest, saying "we are more than our pies and our crusts." In the next, she's excitedly sharing eugenics ideologies like forced sterilization of people that don't look like her. That disconnect is the most chilling part of the story."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...Cecily Keenan directs a cast of actors exhibiting not only the courage required to deliberately immerse themselves in the personalities of repugnant characters, but the experience to reach beyond facile stereotypes, creating recognizable individuals governed by motives disturbingly plausible within the flawed cosmology of a parochial demographic riddled by fear and uncertainty."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...This production is steeped in subtext. Historical basis twists our preconceived knowledge of the South’s prejudices, but the rationalized hype behind the WKKK is just so warped. The women talk about how they threw their first festival complete with Ferris Wheel prior to the piece de resistance, the burning of the cross with everyone in full regalia to end the day’s festivities. Barbara Roeder Harris plays Lucinda, the driving force behind the establishment of the town’s WKKK chapter. Harris does a wonderful job in totally encompassing her character and being fully immersed in every scene."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Mary Bonnett's "Invisible" is an extremely timely and thought-provoking tour de force. At the end of the show, a collective sigh can be heard from the audience-literally-just before the actors took their bows. It is the first time I've witnessed anything exactly like this! This was not a sigh of relief but that of recognition: History is repeating itself. Racial hatred and religious intolerance have reared their ugly head in America, just as they had done some 100 years ago."
Rescripted - Highly Recommended
"...Invisible is an engaging show, featuring smart design choices, and thoughtful well-researched writing. Many audience members will leave feeling more educated, and more able to imagine the lives and thoughts of people who seek power through white supremacist organizations and ideas. Invisible offers an interesting kind of immersion into this place and time in US history, that has intrigued me in lasting ways. This is the kind of show which is great in the moment, but gives audiences just as much to take with them when they leave."
Buzznews.net - Recommended
"...Invisible is intriguing, with its anti-immigrant tones resonating strongly today. And it shows how easily a woman can pressured socially down a perfidious path. But in highlighting the struggle of the protagonist Mabel amidst the racial depradations of the Klan against black people, the script indirectly conjures up another contemporary struggle - toxic white feminism."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Highly Recommended
"...Written by Mary Bonnett, artistic director of Her Story Theatre and directed by Cecilie Keenan, this dramatic depiction shares the forgotten story of “The Ladies of the Invisible Empire” who have become a mere footnote in history."
Picture This Post - Somewhat Recommended
"...If you support the mission of Her Story Theater and especially if you relish theater that helps you learn about new things, Invisible is a top pick for your time. Like Chicago Shakespeare's A Man of Good Hope, expect to learn a lot from Invisible and become intrigued to learn more. Her Story Theater Artistic Director and author of this work, by this writer's lights, can consider Invisible as mission accomplished."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...The casting was perfect. Each actor was excellent at developing their character. Barbara Roeder Harris as Lucinda, the driving force behind the establishment of the town’s WKKK chapter conveyed the haughty, judgmental personality. Lisa McConnell as Jubilation was compelling as the indomitable activist and multi-racial woman who challenges the town’s bigots."
