Scoundrel Time at City Lit Theater

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...The story's underlying message--that American ideals of freedom are only as strong as a citizen's determination to defend them--remains strikingly relevant. Adrianne Cury directs, Sheila Willis stars, and Jerry Bloom plays multiple supporting roles, including those of Hellman's lover, the politically radical writer Dashiell Hammett, playwright Clifford Odets, and composer Marc Blitzstein."

Centerstage - Somewhat Recommended

"...Considering the play’s faulty structure and her character’s surprising flatness, Sheila Willis does fine work as Hellman, called “The Memoirist” in the program, creating a likable paragon of moral fervor. Jerry Bloom, playing “The Memoir” and all of the other characters in the story, does an apt job at giving everyone a different voice, and scores many of the best laughs. Still, some gorgeous prose and a few engaging performances don’t make for a play."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...As poetry, then, Hellman’s higher-than-history of the McCarthy era compels. Her recollection of refusing to name names before the House Un-American Activities Committee and her subsequent blacklisting is enthralling in its prescience, particularly when the Memoirist wryly notes, “We as a people agreed…to swallow any nonsense if it was repeated often enough.” Cury keeps things moving at a quick clip, and if Bloom is a bit too eager to mug, or Willis a bit too strong and far too pretty (one biographer described Hellman’s plainness as “her facial bad luck”), it’s in keeping with Hellman’s presentation of her story: true enough and worth the telling."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...This fast paced and totally engrossing 85 minutes unfolds as a wonderful evening of theatre. The Sinatra music and lyrics aptly underscore and set the tone for the events unfolding. This is a rare gem of a show."