Melancholy Play presented by Organic Theater Company at The Greenhouse Theater Center

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...But the sketch-length highlights aren't enough to sustain an otherwise droll-to-the-point-of-boring comedy, which more often than not luxuriates in the same character tropes and gaudy, lyrical prose it's supposedly poking fun at. An entire final-act subplot of sad people transforming into almonds blurs the line between self-awareness and self-parody to the point where it is rendered indistinguishable."

Stage and Cinema - Somewhat Recommended

"...But the biggest problem is that Ruhl's anatomy of melancholy is mainly misleading: The "melancholic" and mournful qualities that Ruhl attributes to Tilly are really an amalgam of neurasthenia and hypochondria. It's more self-pity than sentiment and more common to drama queens than dreamers. And too soon it's too tiresome."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...This new production of one of Sarah Ruhl's first plays is enchanting. Later in her career we'd enjoy other exciting plays from this Illinois native, such as "The Clean House," "In the Next Room (or the Vibrator Play)" and "Dead Man's Cell Phone;" but this early effort from this talented playwright is a precursor of great things to come. In Laura Sturms' simple, stylish, creatively inventive production, the manner with which she guides her actors, contrasting melodrama with realism, is everything. This director understands how the play's surrealism can be emphasized by such diversity and Ms. Sturms makes the most of her choices. The play breathes with the gentle winds of the season, and makes the perfect entertaining diversion for a warm, Spring evening."

Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended

"...Directed by Laura Sturm, this Organic Theatre rendition of Melancholy Play features a musical score and arrangements by composer/sound designer Tony Reimer (played from recordings). The music is perhaps a nod to Ruhl’s 2012 adaptation of the 2002 original into a “chamber musical” withd a string quartet scored by Todd Almond. As well, Organic's production features a live cellist, who is also a character (Michaela Voit as Julian) serves as commenting chorus with musical interjections. Though set way back on stage, Voit gains attention with her occasional arresting grimaces and glares. Also notable in the production are the simple and elegant sets and the costuimes by Julane Sullivan are notably elegant and arresting."