Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...“My Brother Langston” does an adequate job of introducing major themes of Hughes’ writings and the overall arc of his early life and career, but the production truly shines when the spotlight is on Hughes’ own words. When the poetry is allowed to speak for itself, it becomes a star of the show — which, after all, is fitting for a play about one of America’s most beloved poets."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...This is a very good play and I have no doubt that audiences will enjoy it. My main critique is that I struggled to connect emotionally with the principal character. While I walked out of the theater knowing significantly more about various aspects of Hughes’s life, I kept asking myself: Who really was Langston Hughes? Perhaps that is too simple of a question for such a complex (yet beloved) figure."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Recommended
"...Black Ensemble Theater continues its 2022 Four Play Season of Excellence, the season of healing and joy with My Brother Langston, directed by Rueben D. Echoles. Langston's work has been a part of Echole's life, and Langston's poetry has encouraged him throughout his childhood and acting career."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...My Brother Langston, written and directed by Rueben D. Echoles. Rueben is a long-time fixture at BET for sure taking on many roles including lead performer. This multi-talented man does his art on stage, off stage, back stage and everywhere else you can imagine. This production sees Rueben take BET to a new level of accomplishment and I don’t say this lightly."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...This format is unusual for BET but it works beautifully. Kudos to Mr. Echoles for once again proving that he’s a true Renaissance man. His wonderful writing, direction, choreography and costumes make this production a winner. Superb projections by Dre Robinson coax Sydney Lynne’s set design to come alive. And Robert Reddrick’s excellent musical direction, supported by talented musicians Adam Sherrod, Oscar Brown Jr, Mark Miller and Myron Cherry, take this tribute to Langston Hughes to a new level of excellence. In this remarkable bio-drama, Mr. Echoles recognizes the talent of this great African American writer, while showing honor and respect for the events that shaped his life and his writing."
Buzznews.net - Recommended
"...My Brother Langston is deeply satisfying on many levels. As they say, “It’s Almost Like Coming to Church”!"
Splash Magazine - Recommended
"...Langston Hughes is one of America’s most outstanding African-American Laureates. He was known as the Jazz Poet and the leader of the Harlem Renaissance. Writer/director Rueben D. Echoles does a good job painting an abstract of Hughes’ life. He touches on points of Langston’s life that were speculations and also delivered gems of information that made me want to research more about the life and times of the poet."
NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...At the same time, however, other elements of the production are disconnected as the script skirts over the more complex aspects of his life. Langston’s ambiguous sexuality, for example, is briefly explored but then ignored, robbing the viewer of a chance to see the man beyond the narrow confines of this bio-play format. Other moments, such as him rejecting a wealthy white patron’s criticism, appear unrelated to the work as a whole. While “My Brother Langston” succeeds as a great introduction to the life and times of Langston Hughes, it will likely leave members of the audience wanting more."
