Pins at Bailiwick Chicago

Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...Beyond that fault, "Pins" represents a larger problem that exists in gay theater right now. For the past two decades, its subject matter has fallen into two categories: coming-out stories, like "Pins," and shows that deal with the AIDS pandemic. As a result, gay theater is on the verge of becoming irrelevant."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Provenzano shows a deep fondness for his characters and a sure understanding of the wrestling milieu. He's particularly adept at handling the crosscurrents of fear and lust produced by the conflict between the sport's potential homoeroticism and the team members' homophobia. Chris Arnold's well-choreographed production, part of the 2006 Pride Series, is sometimes a bit too agitated but nicely captures the tender ache of adolescence; Eddie Bennett is particularly endearing as the conflicted young wrestler."

Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...It’s possible that Provenzano was able to flesh out his multiple themes more fully in a 300-page novel. But the play, at well over two hours, gives only a cursory nod to most of them. Worse, the first-time playwright falls victim to the tell-don’t-show school of dramatization."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...Director Chris Arnold emphasizes youthful energy and lots of testosterone in this pleasing entry, and while Eddie Bennett tends to play Joey at the same fever level intensity throughout, Casey Chapman is a charming and frisky Dink, and the rest of the cast contributes zesty support."