Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...The backdrop for “The Price,” Arthur Miller’s provocative, ever-timely play that is now receiving a first-rate production by Raven Theatre, is an attic apartment in a once grand, soon-to-be-demolished New York brownstone. The place is stuffed, floor-to-ceiling, with weighty, now old-fashioned furniture, rugs, memorabilia and memories. It is the detritus of a once prosperous family that was undone by the Depression, and whose principal legacy is the bitter estrangement between two brothers that has endured for decades."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...director Michael Menendian and a strong, graceful ensemble find what gold there is in this tale of two brothers dividing up dad's possessions. Chuck Spencer delivers a particularly fine performance as the risk-adverse son who must face up to the possibility that he wasted his life taking care of an unworthy patriarch. Leonard Kraft is charming as a crafty appraiser who may or may not be a cheating the brothers."
Chicago On the Aisle - Recommended
"...Director Michael Menendian’s balanced conception is so adroitly executed that its critical collapse comes as a shock. The root of the problem lies in JoAnn Montemurro’s vague portrait of Victor’s unhappy spouse Esther, who is in effect the judge in the brothers’ increasingly heated debate. Esther begins with the conviction that Victor has thrown his life away, has no backbone and lacks the gumption to seize a golden opportunity when it’s handed to him."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...Michael Menendian’s directing is unobtrusive and allows the power of Miller’s dialogue to flood the stage, especially when Victor and Walter stand virtually nose to nose, arguing the rightness of their positions as they rake over old grievances. Scenic designer Amanda Rozmiarek must have ransacked every second hand store in Chicago to assemble the wonderful jumble of furniture that fills the Raven stage. Richard Norwood designed the lighting, and Danielle Stack the sound."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"... The Price features terrific acting by the entire cast with Chuck Spencer playing Victor with much empathy, we cheer for him. Jon Steinhagen presents Walter as both commandingly intimidating and sincerely remorseful; JoAnn Montemurro shows Ester’sfrustration toward her middle aged plight. This cast delivers Arthur Miller’s powerful work with intelligence and respect and loads of truth.Thetwo points ofview from each brother deftly deals with the conflict of self-preservation versus familial responsibility. We all know families facing that dilemma. The subtle power of this production is in the layers of truth thateach faces. This work resonates powerfully. Kudos to Raven Theatre for presenting such a gem."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...There is a magnificent mess of a cluttered attic imagined by Set Designer/Scenic Artist Amanda Rozmiarek that fairly echoes with haunted mysteries and lost treasures silently awaiting their moment of rediscovery. Mary O'Dowd must have had a ball selecting all of the cast-off properties and set dressing for this one. This is a production that works on several levels, from the flawless design and strong ensemble acting through Arthur Miller's unmistakable, poignant tale of an American family crisis. All for the price of a couple of hours in the theatre satisfyingly spent."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Directed by Michael Mendenian on one of the most extraordinary sets they have had(Amanda Rozmiarek) filled with every type of furniture, appliance and relic one might find hidden away in attics all over the country ( Mary O’Dowd and her crew did outstanding research and work) this four person play, that takes place in the mid sixties is an indepth study of people and their feelings. The story begins with Victor Franz ( the always reliable Chuck Spencer)walking into what appears to be the attic/upper floor of his boyhood home, filled with all of the props/furniture previously mentioned."
