Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Lifeline Theatre, which specializes in approachable adaptations of literary classics, knows how to pick its stories. Robert Kauzlaric’s straight-up, fast-moving new adaptation of the Wilde novella is a mostly pleasurable excuse to revisit one of Wilde’s most potent works."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Lifeline Theatre's new production of "Dorian Gray" is enthralling, with a crystal-clear, ideally structured adaptation by Robert Kauzlaric; thrilling, sinuously choreographed direction by Kevin Theis, a gilt-edged black set by Tom Burch, and a remarkably fleet, stylish cast."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...The narrative is delivered story-theater style, allowing the audience to savor Wilde's ironic, sometimes startling commentaries on beauty, love, art, innocence, illusion, and the interplay between the senses and the soul. Nick Vidal as the cruel and callow Dorian heads a strong ten-person ensemble in this production, which deftly juggles philosophical reflection, pitch-black humor, and supernatural horror."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...Tampering with a masterpiece is a dicey business, but Kauzlaric and director Kevin Theis magnificently capture the letter and the spirit of Wilde's original. In a potent construct, the narrative unfolds through two generations of actors. We meet Dorian's urbane friends ( and obsessive worshippers ) as young men being viewed through a prism of memory recalled by their older selves."
Chicago Free Press - Highly Recommended
"...Director Kevin Theis is able to bring out the true emotion and humor in the tale as well as create an atmosphere of pounding dread. Theis also manages a couple moments of pure theatrical magic that may cause audience members to gasp in wonder, reveling in the joy of the live theatrical experience. Theis is immeasurably aided by Branimira Ivanova’s rich, authentic costumes, Andrew Hanson’s doom laden music and Tom Burch’s healthy, adventuresome scenic design. Theis and his team’s brilliant dedication show’s itself, most significantly, in their ability to transport the audience into another world for the two hours it takes for the tale to unwind."
Copley News Service - Highly Recommended
"...The novel is supremely literate and the Lifeline cast is well up to the mark in delivering that literacy with both wry humor and dramatic intensity. The key performance, of course, must come from the actor playing Dorian Gray. Nick Vidal does a splendid job of rendering the shadings that turn Gray from a handsome innocent into a moral degenerate."
Centerstage - Highly Recommended
"...The entire cast is accomplished and fully in charge of this briskly paced production, making it difficult to cite any one actor. However Nick Vidal is positively riveting in the title role and his gradual degeneration toward depravity is both subtle and profound. With merely a sideways look or the lift of an eyebrow, this actor can speak volumes. And without spoiling the effect, suffice it to say that once you've experienced the play's heart-stopping final moments, you'll develop an appreciation for this young actor, as well as the unity of this ensemble of actors."
Edge - Recommended
"...Lifeline’s two-hour adaptation is cleverly mounted and manages to balance the twin urges to turn the piece into an Oscar Wilde talkfest or a Grand Guignol cartoon piece by giving us a little of both. The final product is suitably subtle for family viewing."
Chicago Stage Review - Highly Recommended
"...Lifeline Theatre enchants crowds with another triumphant Halloween trick or treat! The Picture of Dorian Gray is sure to start off your eerie festivities right. This tawdry tale of deadly decadence and deviate debauchery is a sophisticated way for big kids to enjoy this haunting season."
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...Kauzlaric’s nimble adaptation manages to find a balance, first by focusing on the amusing, seductive wickedness of Lord Henry (played with deadpan insouciance by Holmquist and, as he ages, Sinitski), then by ratcheting up the thrills after intermission. Theis’s staging gets a bit overheated and stunt-heavy toward the end, but its only major flaw is Charlie Athanas’s titular portrait (deformed in the story by Dorian’s sins). It’s an unintentionally hilarious dead ringer for the Crypt Keeper."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...This flawless production is another example of the technical skills of the crew at Lifeline Theatre. Lifeline’s specialty is making classic novels come to life. Their “The Picture of Dorian Gray” is among their finest productions to date. This is a truthful rendition of a fine gothic horror tale. Don’t miss this gem!"
