Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Hollinger's examination of technique versus passion in the creation of great music feels a bit self-conscious, but the performances have an easy, lived-in quality. They may not, as the group's mentor once told them, sound like "four instruments played with one bow," but they create a sufficiently engaging portrait of artistic collaboration and competition, and the peripatetic Christopher Kriz's sound design adds layers of aural pleasure."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...The highly regarded Lazarus Quartet is in a state of chaos as the 90-minute drama begins. With a live television broadcast from the White House already scheduled, the group’s brilliant but erratic violinist (turned violist) Dorian (Paul Dunckel) has been ousted from the group and is about to be replaced by a very young and talented but inexperienced woman, Grace (Emily Tate)."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"... Director Jason W. Gerace's admirably understated cast make many of the show’s more unpersuasive moments feel surprisingly credible—including the many unfortunate times they're stuck sawing away at their muted instruments while a prerecorded quartet plays in the background."
Windy City Times - Recommended
"... Fortunately, under director Jason W. Gerace, the capable actors develop much of the missing character exposition through physical work and subtext. Michael Sherwin has Elliot's prissy, selfish routine down cold. John Ferrick is amiable as Alan, the second violinist drawn to the new violist, Grace, played by Emily Tate as a gifted young woman who grows up fast. Brian Parry is sympathetically rock-solid as Carl, the cellist, a slow-to-anger family man who is pivotal to the denouement. Finally, Paul Dunckel as Dorian is soulful, slightly tortured and not as innocent as he seems. They are a fine quintet, a true ensemble. They don't play their instruments (miming to recorded music), but it's clear they've studied the music well."
Centerstage - Highly Recommended
"...The risk in staging a play with lines like "a string quartet is four people playing with one bow" is that the actors have to be absolutely in tune with one another. Happily, that's the case here. The repartee among the members of the quartet is immediately established, and it's easy to see how they've been friends and colleagues for over ten years, and how intimidating that rapport would be for the young woman auditioning to replace the unstable violist."
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Though the script at times veers toward bathos, it’s mostly held in check by its humor and movement. The explosive climax feels organic: both surprising and devastating. Simple, effective lighting and set design in Redtwist’s vibrant production, the play’s Chicago premiere, allow for swift transitions from monologue to scene to silence; Jason W. Gerace’s tight direction highlights the play’s composition."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...In the 85 minute drama, we witness the unique personalities as they struggle to reach new heights with their art – their music. We see how the quartet’s sound is dominant to any squabble or any piece of equipment. There is a gripping ending that will make you gasp! Don’t miss this well-acted and nicely produced drama."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...Perfectly pitched (and supported by Christopher Kriz’ musical backdrop), Gerace’s quintet are consummately cast, with Ferrick’s easy-going affability in sharp contrast to Sherwin’s bi-polar mood swings, Dunckel’s feverish pursuit of excellence, Parry’s secret courage before cancer, and Tate’s open-hearted amazement at all she’s encounters. They make beautiful theater together."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...This production is beautifully orchestrated by director Jason W. Gerace, who utilizes the very small stage so that each audience member feels as if they are the proverbial “fly on the wall” watching the personalities of these characters come alive and fall apart before their very eyes.. Unlike most productions where the sound engineer adds to the totality of the production, Christopher Kriz is an integral part of making this production lifelike as it appears that each of the actors is making the music that we hear a very realistic part of the entire production."
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"...This cast is pure platinum! Sure, they are fake playing, but their musical production deserves an encore. Magnum Opus… Bravo!"