15 Minutes presented by The Ruckus Theater at The Side Project

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...As indicated by its reductive title, the play is by no means a serious or complex examination of fame or our eagerness to embrace technology over in-the-flesh human interaction. The quality of the performances, though, hold your interest even when the play's observations verge on the trite. (Stevie Chaddock Lambert and Karie Miller are especially good.) I'm not sure director Allison Shoemaker's production incorporates video in the most effective or creative manner, but no matter what, you believe in this alternate universe created by the ensemble."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...When five adventurous souls join a radical experiment to live together in an old-fashioned house, they discover how confusing the "outside world" really is: no one understands, for instance, why pouring whole coffee beans into cold water fails to produce coffee. Dean and Vermeersch's insightful, elliptical writing steers clear of cliche, and Allison Shoemaker's thoughtful staging for the Ruckus Theater is consistently engaging. A perfunctory conclusion is the only disappointment."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"... By its conclusion, however, 15 Minutes offers a focused, if muted, optimism: the suggestion that it is possible to create meaning in a fragmented world. It’s in the final lovely tableau, as Simon tries to sing a forgotten lullaby so the others might sleep, that we realize that, while change is constant, so is the very human attempt to provide comfort for one another."

ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended

"...Despite dedicated performances from Timo Aker, Joshua Davis, Alyse Kittner, Stevie Chaddock Lambert, Elise Mayfield and Karie Miller, I never became engaged in the premise of 15 Minutes. Lovers of experimental works may find the show fascinating, I did not. Severe cuts, a clear focus and cuts in the use of video would help."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Not Recommended

"...I won’t spoil the ending for you, mainly because I’m still trying to figure out why the play ended where it did.  “15 Minutes” is a new experimental work devised by the ensemble of Ruckus.  They challenge their audience to the point where it’s like they’re just seeing how much they can get away with.  I believe if the script received a major rewrite and dispose of the video screen all together, this production may soon prove worthy of the ticket price.  In its current condition however, I cannot recommend anyone experience the bleak thrill called “15 Minutes”."