Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Given the piles of bodies strewn about the stage at the end of “Is God Is,” it would be easy to mistake the scene for the finale of “Hamlet.” But there are no flights of angels singing anyone to rest in this dark revenge tale by Aleshea Harris, now in its Chicago premiere at A Red Orchid Theatre. Rather, a familiar lullaby ominously recurs throughout the show, portending doom for the family at the center of this modern myth, which echoes elements of Greek and Shakespearean tragedies with a hearty dose of Biblical wrath."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Watching Aleshea Harris’ “Is God Is” play out in its fast and furious regional premiere at Old Town’s intimate A Red Orchid Theatre is akin to watching Aeschylus filtered through “Kill Bill” and sonically sprinkled with a dose of Spaghetti Western music landing like parmesan on blood."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...In narrative form, Harris's Is God Is, now in a local premiere at A Red Orchid Theatre under Marti Gobel's direction, is more straightforward-but the generational effects of violence are still very much present. Twin sisters Racine (Aja Singletary) and Anaia (Ashli Rene Funches), burned as children when their estranged father broke into their apartment and set their mother on fire, find out years later that their mom is still alive-barely."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Recommended
"...Harris challenges the normalcy of humanity by addressing its demons. How the mind functions under duress, dealing with rage, and how we premeditate revenge. Harris's "Is God Is" pushes all of your buttons when it comes to being a provocation and tantalizingly rich narrative of vengeance and vindication. The dilemma is whether its viewing audience can see this real narrative without being grossed out by the intense dialogue."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"..."Is God Is" is both alarming and absurdly amusing. The violence in Alesha Harris’ one-act is extremely intense. Because it’s presented up close and personal for the audience, all the maiming, killing and splattering of blood and guts may repulse some theatergoers. Some audience members can expect to leave the theatre, as I did, with spots of stage blood spattered on their clothing and program. But the play’s not all gore and gruesome goings-on. There’s a lot more unexpected laughs to be found in the black humor, thanks to the brilliant performances elicited by Director Marti Gobel, helping to create some kind of bizarre poetic balance."
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...If you ask anyone from my family how they define "the Dirty South," you will get two answers. The older generation-myself included-will say anywhere south of Mason Dixon. The younger generation from X to Z Gen may say that it is a reclaiming of the South from a place of pride. It's an attitude and a genre of rap or hip-hop. Playwright Aleshea Harris has written a drama of eerie magical realism with Is God Is at A Red Orchid Theatre (AROT)."
PicksInSix - Recommended
"...Directed in pointed and demanding strokes by the fine Milwaukee-based actor/director Marti Gobel, “Is God Is” tells the difficult story of a family unit wracked by domestic and criminal violence that uses a dose of dark humor to make the hard moments palatable for people to bear—and for an audience to follow in the story. And does it very well. Harris is an intelligent, resourceful writer whose full mix of familial language and street vernacular grabs us by the scruff of the neck and holds on. It produces moments that are eye-opening and brutally truthful."
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...Directed by Marti Gobel, this is an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. Much as the content warnings suggest, Is God Is is not for the faint of heart. However, if you are one for stories that make you think and examine the systemic issues within our society, then this play is absolutely for you. Gobel's powerhouse cast brings the story to terrifying life - and the audience's close proximity to the stage makes it almost literally impossible to turn away from the violence that ensues."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...I could write a twenty-page diatribe highlighting all the ways in which this show hits every note of my thriller-loving heart. But then it wouldn't be so thrilling for you, so I won't. Needless to say, "Is God Is" will keep you on the edge or awkwardly repositioning yourself in your seat. Oh, and the front row is a splash zone-you're welcome."
