The People's Four Seasons at Quest Theatre Ensemble

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Even in the spring and summer episodes, we see plenty of papier-mache animals preying on one another, and fall and winter don't stint on decay and sorrow. The second strength is an endearingly absolute earnestness. The large cast's warm and unstinting belief in the gift they're offering (the show is free) won me over. Also, some of those papier-mache animals are gorgeous."

Talkin Broadway - Somewhat Recommended

"...The scenes between the father and daughter are warmly played by John Ruhaak and Debbie Ruzicka. Ruhaak's performance is moving, though most of his dialogue sounds more like a poetic narration than a dramatic script. Fair enough—perhaps the father is a retired writer or university professor. I would like to have learned more about him. Parks comes close to giving us real characters in the father and daughter, and there's one moment, when the father suggests that the daughter and her husband move in with him so he can stay in his home, that is quite touching. Had Park chosen to make his point through more specific characters and situations rather than deliberately going for generic symbols, he might have had a more engaging production."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"... Creator-director Park tells this familiar story using Quest’s usual arsenal of handmade effects: papier mâché puppets (designed by Nick Rupard) depicting the backyard’s animal and insect guests; an original, atmospheric score composed by Scott Lamps; and a winning, irony-free sincerity. Though the music is more mood-setting than memorable and the framing device can be intrusive and corny, the show nevertheless movingly conveys its central message: that life is full of beautiful moments—lovers dancing under a blue crescent moon, a spider spinning gossamer, Lena Horne singing a torch song—and they pass by entirely too quickly."

Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended

"...The most exciting aspect of Four Seasons is the joy it exudes. I left the theatre into the February cold with a renewed sense of hope. Quest is the self-branded “People’s Theatre” and therefore charge no admission. The Four Seasons fit right into their mission, telling a story common to us all. In less innovative hands, the play could easily be grade-school pageant quality. Yet, Park and Quest’s sense of wonder appears in the execution. They have created a celebration of life, one that envigours and consoles."