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City Lit Theater
Murder in the Cathedral Reviews
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...James Sparling is excellent as Becket. For all practical purposes he carries the piece—Becket is the only character in the play identified with a proper name, not just a description—and he winningly conveys the dedication of the “turbulent priest” who so vexed King Henry. The supporting players, among them a chorus commenting on the action, are excellent as well, especially Varris Holmes and Robert Howard as both “tempters” to Becket and knights who arrive to kill him."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"..."Murder in the Cathedral" is a story about the martyrdom of Thomas à Becket, written by T.S. Eliot in 1935. James Sparling makes for an extraordinary Becket: vibrant, convincing, and full of life. Yet despite his aura of positivity, Becket is obsessed with thoughts of holiness, pureness, and ascetism and subsequently asserts his undying wish to become a Christian martyr for the faith."
Buzz Center Stage - Highly Recommended
"...I arrived at City Lit Theater’s MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL expecting a heavy, serious, doubtless thought-provoking but rather intimidating major work of literature. By the end of the performance, I wanted to rush out, buy the book and read it immediately. Any production that accomplishes this in three hours must be called a success!"
Third Coast Review - Recommended
"...Murder in the Cathedral is a solemn play, drawn from the works of master poet and Nobel-Prize laureate T.S. Eliot. The 1935 verse play is now on stage at City Lit Theater, directed by artistic director Terry McCabe. This is the first full Chicago production of the play in 70 years."
Splash Magazine - Recommended
"...The last ingenious portion of the performance lifted the dramatic action from the characters and placed it in the hands of the audience as jury, an English institution ancient and revered. We are asked to choose between Becket’s explanation for his actions and the knights suggestions; we are called upon to render a verdict on who killed Thomas when death came for The Archbishop- God? Man? Both?"
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...City Lit has the immense advantage that it has a church as its home venue, the ideal setting for this play. There was also the clever and effective decision to set the women’s chorus that functions as a Greek chorus, usually in unison as a harmonized vocal quartet, with a world-premiere score by Philip Seward, sparsely accompanied by piano and chimes."