King Hedley II presented by Congo Square Theatre at Athenaeum Theatre

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Still, all those showy speeches—touching on matters of faith, chance, destiny, and thwarted dreams—provide some rich acting opportunities, and the all-around solid cast of this Congo Square Theatre Company staging take full advantage. Ronald Conner contributes a compelling egotism and volatility as the honor-obsessed title character, but a feverish, fast-talking Anthony Irons steals the show as an addled prophet preaching Old Testament-style destruction. "

Windy City Times - Highly Recommended

"..The language likewise resounds with operatic grandeur but—far from overwhelming us in the Athenaeum's tiny third-floor studio—the close quarters serve to lend the dramatic action an urgency that propels us to our crisis at what feels like breathtaking haste, despite a running time of nearly three hours. Some of this may be credited to director Daniel Bryant's deft utilization of overlapping dialogue, but more than mere orchestration is the Congo Square actors' facility for creating spoken-word symphonies from the music of Wilson's prose to render us spellbound right up to the final explosive ending."

Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended

"... At almost three hours, King Hedley II may sound like a daunting endeavor, but Wilson’s monologues work like songs in a musical, carrying the viewer through intense sensory experiences that are finished in a flash. Director Daniel Bryant has a wonderful understanding of the emotional journey in these speeches, and the actors keep the momentum of the production speeding along by hitting those beats with intensity and clarity."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...Besides the terrific writing by a master playwright, King Hedley II is a master class in ensemble acting as the six players each had their time to soar. From TaRon Patton’s powerful, funny Ruby to Anthony Irons wonderful pontifications as the Bible spouting newspaper hoarding neighbor to Trinity Murdocks’s smooth charismatic grifter Elmore to Marc Roger’s loyal mate Mister to Tiffany Addison’s frustrated Tonya, we see the residents as truthful souls. But Ron Conner’s performance as King, the man trying to live by his personal rules of honor is the anchor of the piece. This play is a most engaging drama that puts a face on the violence that emerged in the 1980′s as guns became a tool of social interaction in urban life. That cycle of violence is still with us today. King Hedley II is a wonderful, poignant and emotional journey. Don’t miss it!"