Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...In some ways, Friel's story is similar to Daniel Keyes's novel Flowers for Algernon, though the subject of that story is a young man with intellectual disabilities, not blindness. But in the same way that Keyes's Charlie Gordon finds his relationships with others shifting irrevocably once an experimental surgery (temporarily) raises his IQ, Molly finds that Rice's operation has subtracted more from her world than it's given. The Molly at the end of the play is far removed from the woman who, the night before the operation, dances exuberantly around the friends gathered in her house, or the one who helps us understand the pure joy of swimming."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Are things as they appear? This is a question that has haunted mankind since , well, probably day 1! The Irish Theatre of Chicago, as its first "post-Covid" production has chosen a story that will possibly answer this question. Written by Brian Friel, a master story teller, "Molly Sweeney" tells us the story of this lass who at a very young age lost her sight and lived in a "sightless world". She could see shadows and some light, but for the most part, not faces or colors or things. She has lived her life through sound, touch, taste and smell. But, is that enough?"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...The cast includes three incredibly gifted actor/storytellers, all company ensemble members, with impressive resumes from stage and screen that support their talent. The authenticity of the Irish locale is made sound by the work performed by Dialect Designer, Elise Kauzlaric. Matthew Isler is often funny and both touching and humorously engaging as Frank Sweeney; Robert Kauzlaric captivates and mesmerizes as Mr. Rice, a troubled, but obsessively motivated physician; and lovely, charismatic Carolyn Kruse is like a breath of fresh ocean air, as she effortlessly draws us into her story as Molly Sweeney. This is a magnificent production by the celebrated Irish playwright, Brian Friel, produced after a long absence by the much-admired and celebrated Irish Theatre of Chicago. A hundred thousand welcomes to this company; or, as the Irish might say, "Cead mile failte!""
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...Molly Sweeney, the cleverly written play by Brian Friel, tells Molly's story in a moving series of interwoven monologs by three people. Irish Theatre of Chicago is staging the play now in the manner suggested by the playwright: Each character inhabits their own space on stage and remains there throughout the performance; they don't interact, even though they may seem to be carrying on a conversation. Siiri Scott's sure direction keeps the static setting dynamic and her cast of three fine actors works within it to tell this melancholy story."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...At some point, it becomes clear to the audience members that the three characters’ intertwining monologues have diverged: details and events no longer line up, and it becomes impossible to know whose version of reality—if any of them—is the truth. When we can no longer trust our senses, Friel’s play twists in on itself to show that understanding and reality are filtered through each person’s mind…and that this has nothing at all to do with seeing."
TotalTheater - Highly Recommended
"...Audiences may find it curious that the Irish Theater of Chicago (whose former title-"Seanachai"-is a Gaelic word meaning "Storyteller") should re-launch with a play recounted exclusively in words, its three characters apprising us of their experiences and commenting thereon in monologues as comfortably chatty as they are candid. Make no mistake, though-these are not the screen-framed talking heads we recall from the Shutdown years, but multidimensional human beings making eye contact with us from barely a few feet away (depending on your seat in the Chopin's subterranean ballroom), with every twitch and hesitation clearly perceivable, resulting in a rich array of sensory impressions-in particular, the sunny smile worn by Carolyn Kruse for her portrayal of the kind and compliant Molly-to remind us of our blessings on a chilly spring night in Wicker Park."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...With only 3 actors, who are on stage the entire time, they have to give it their all to hold the audience captive. This ensemble most definitely does that. The acting was incredible and the Irish accents were spot on. The intimacy and quirkiness of the Chopin Theater was perfect for this moody plot. The set, costumes, lighting and music were all very simple, but worked for the story. The ending is left open, and with many questions. This is definitely not my preferred way for a show to end - where you are left saying "what?". But I think that was Brian Friel's goal - to make the audience think about what in life we should be thankful for, what we take for granted and what we can live without."
