Refracted Light presented by Eclectic Full Contact Theatre at The Edge Theatre

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Hall’s play is earnest and often funny, but it does tend to overstate its points a few times, which flattens out the dramatic insights. In particular, until near the end, Fisher’s Lucy is stuck with being in the repetitive and reactive mode of overanxious caregiver, which while undoubtedly true to the situation, doesn’t give the character as much room for nuance as she deserves."

Around The Town Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...Direction by Natividad Salgado is respectable. Cassie McKnight’s set design is fine when it comes to the action inside the house with its lovely blue walls, dark blue curtains, and red rose stained glass. Tricia Carver-Horner’s props design is nicely suited, such as the furniture in the living room and dining room. However, the audience has to largely imagine the scene in the doctor’s office, and I would have appreciated seeing something more than just the two chairs. I especially would have liked more fanciful lighting and projections at the time when Penny and Becky decide to sit outdoors on top of a water tower."

Chicago Theatre Review - Somewhat Recommended

"...Dana Halls's REFRACTED LIGHT has an interesting premise. Her play tells an important story that illustrates how a person coping with emotional and mental issues can learn to successfully deal with them and live healthy, productive lives. Ms. Hall's created five interesting characters, each with his or her own set of quirks and challenges. But by presenting the same thematic issues over and over again, the play begins to lose its impact. And personally, the scene with all the handbags drove me nuts with all the melodramatic carrying on. But more to the point, the audience eventually becomes weary of all the repetition. However, from this drama, theatergoers do begin to understand the old adage that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

Third Coast Review - Somewhat Recommended

"...Playwright Dana Hall offers the information above in her program note-a little inspiration into what drove her to write Refracted Light. We do not always know what is going on behind closed doors, and oftentimes, we move too quickly through our own lives to even wonder. However, when one does slow down and opens their eyes or asks the right questions, they might begin to learn a little more about someone else's story."