The Sound Of A Yellow Flower presented by Strangeloop Theatre at Trap Door Theatre

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...In a series of carefully orchestrated two-person scenes, Spence follows a quartet of displaced souls trying to reinvent themselves in a newly independent but repressive Belarus. His interlocking stories depict a world where idealism is gradually extinguished by romantic desertions and state brutality. Despite bouts of emotionalism and some too-sudden character shifts, Spence knows how to make 75 minutes matter."

Time Out Chicago - Not Recommended

"... For a play that lacks even a production note’s worth of historical background, Yellow Flower is too quick to ditch coherency in favor of emotional urgency. A series of explosions and a steady stream of sexualized violence only serve to whip the actors into an undifferentiated emotive froth; gentler scenes depicting a tender back story hint at Spence’s more palatable dramatic impulses. Meghan M. Martinez as Nikolai’s prostitute girlfriend proves she’s worth more measured material, and Logan’s Sasha displays a courtly charm. Glen Anderson’s economical set uses hidden cubbyholes and flush doors to turn a black box into a multipurpose space, but it may be this production’s most articulated element."

ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended

"...Although I do not feel this script was ready for a full production, I truly believe this is a show with promise; the characters are interesting, the location is unique, some scenes are emotionally searing, and the dialogue has moments of brilliance.  The lack of motivation the characters have for their actions and the ambiguity of certain plot points is where this script needs improvement.  If Strange Loop continues to workshop this piece and hash out the narrative flaws it may turn into a truly wonderful play.  I look forward to seeing how they continue to work on this piece and how Mr. Spence continues to grow as a writer.  Something tells me the journey is not yet over for The Sound of a Yellow Flower."

Chicago Theater Beat - Somewhat Recommended

"...When these jumps into fury are avoided, the play gains actual depth, like a scene that juxtaposes one of Nikolai’s first nights with Natalia with the first meeting of Sasha and Zoe. The actors are given the time to create intimate moments with each other, and the relationships benefit greatly from the newly established chemistry. The scenes that follow are a return to form, but the brief glimmer of love provides a bit of hope for the tragic characters before their lives fall apart."