Leaving Iowa at Fox Valley Repertory

Copley News Service - Recommended

"...If there is a hero in this staging, it’s Mike Tutaj for his witty and creative video design. Come to the theater early and be entertained by all the Iowa lore projected on a screen at the rear of the stage. Kevin Depinet is the scenic designer. In particular, Depinet cleverly evokes the family auto with a set of crates assembled on stage by the characters. Elizabeth Flauto designed the costumes, and Miles Polaski the sound."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...Sean Patrick Fawcett and Valerie Glowinski come close to stealing the show with their chameleon versatility, comic timing and telling details in assorted supporting character roles. Video designer Mike Tutaj provides the perfect backgrounds against Kevin Depinet's nicely minimalist setting. As Dad promises, "This year we are going to have fun," which Don refers to as "The family vacation F word". There is plenty of fun and adventure to be had in "Leaving Iowa," and audiences in the Chicagoland suburbs won't even have to leave Illinois to enjoy it. You betcha!"

Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended

"...This father-son duo has convincing chemistry. Forston is loveable, and Goodrich fills the All American Boy bill with a sense of earnestness and relatable imperfection. Wacky bits about navigating in the bygone collapsible-map era are swell, but Rockwell never lets us forget there are real humans in that car. The show contains substance underneath its silliness—themes that are affecting and brave."