The Caucasian Chalk Circle presented by Theatre Mir at The Viaduct

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...There's plenty to admire in Jonathan Berry's staging of the Bertolt Brecht classic, in which a scullery maid rescues an aristocrat's baby son during an insurrection and then goes through hell to protect him. The actors display commitment, intelligence, and talent throughout; early scenes effectively conjure war's chaotic menace; and the finale--in which a drunken judge presides over the battle for the babe when his biological mom reappears--is full of satiric zing. In between, though, this Theatre Mir production gets dicey."

Centerstage - Highly Recommended

"...But all are to be praised. Had I another 600 words I would name them and talk of each particular moment where they brought a delighted grin to my face or silenced me with a moment of grim reality. All the words in the world, though, cannot replicate the experience of seeing this show. Go, please. Buy tickets for you and your friends. This production deserves to make money and be seen."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"... But as with so many productions of this script, things go off the rails post-intermission when Brecht introduces his second plot, about the installation of a corrupt judge, Azdak. Though compelling as always, Yosh Hayashi overplays Azdak’s drunken eccentricities a bit; by the time we finally get back around to Grusha and Michael, the resolution of their story feels rushed, like an afterthought."

Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended

"...Overall, Berry makes excellent use of his cast through employing them in various roles as musicians, dancers, actors and stagehands. His staging provides for fascinating movement, including one moment when Grusha must cross a treacherous bridge with the child to flee her pursuers. The ingenious and simple technical method of achieving this moment culminates in one of the most immediate and suspenseful moments of the evening."