Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...It is worth noting that Redtwist significantly upped its design aesthetic a year ago, and artistic director Michael Colucci seems committed to sustaining that quality. With its hunter green walls, wood flooring and worn leather furniture, the set (from Nick Sieben and props designer Emily Guthrie) captures the right mood, as does Christopher Kriz's sound design that uses pop songs to fill the transitions between scenes, including Todd Rundgren's "Hello It's Me" and Elton John's "Someone Saved My Life Tonight." These are careful selections that manage to work even when they are a tad too on the nose."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Director Joanie Schultz catches the quiet in this Redtwist Theatre staging of Conor McPherson's 2004 drama, but misses the desperation. John Arthur Lewis maintains a reserve that never cracks as Ian, while Brian Parry's John is too mild-mannered and tweedy."
Talkin Broadway - Recommended
"...The other gift of this production is the opportunity to experience the story in such an intimate, realistic setting that we might feel like a ghost in the room ourselves, observing the characters, yet unseen by them. Redtwist's space is like a shoe box—with the audience at one end and the playing area—of three completely dressed walls (there are no wings) and a ceiling at the other. For Shining City, it's a particularly effective space as it seems believably the same size as the tiny, grim office Ian uses for his practice. In Andrew Jessop's set design, the office is believably plain and low rent."
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...
The care put into this production is palpable. Schultz’s direction surrounds the story with meticulous detail: the sound of tea brewing, the careful play of color and shadow in the transitions. Her feel for the psychology of the stage is evident in the fine performances she elicits. Parry has John perched on the edge of a dark eruption, and plays it with remarkable restraint. His masterful interactions with a pensive Lewis prove how vital small-stage realism can be."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...McPherson’s lyrical dialogue richly allows his characters to explore their inter anguish. Brian Parry is magnificent as the haunted soul struggling to find order in his life. This drama requires your attention but once tuned in, it pays off. There is terror and a nice dose of compassion here that satisfies. John Arthur Lewis has several powerful moments. This is a engrossing 90 minutes of theatre. Redtwist Theatre continues to offer excellent shows."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Nick Sieben’s set, depicting an office in a somewhat old walk-up is very realistic and shows how much can be done in a storefront theater with creative juices flowing and Christopher Burpee’s lighting sets the tone along with some marvelous music ( sound by Christopher Kriz). The props, of which there are many ( Emily Guthrie) and the costumes by Joelle Beranek, complete the total picture. Schultz sets the tone from the very onset and keeps us glued to the characters waiting to see what will happen to each. As we watch the stories unfold ( the stories being the mindset of our two main characters), we begin to think about what might happen to each and at the end, while it appears that John has indeed overcome his fears and guilt, we are not altogether sure about the path that Ian might be taking."
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"...Shining City’s finale may prove to be divisive for some audiences. I encourage them to take note of John’s declared realization when considering the play’s last image: it isn’t the fact of what happens that's important, but instead the effect. Regardless of their conclusion, the effect–like this production–will be moving."
