Life Is A Dream at The Building Stage

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Relying on Jo Clifford's robust translation, director Blake Montgomery uses cross-gender casting and the doubling of roles to inject a little anarchic fun and reinforce the sense that identities are in flux. The DIY, story-theater aesthetic of Pamela Maurer's scenic design emphasizes the story's illusory aspects. The result is both laugh- and thought-provoking."

Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...The cast savors Calderón’s rich language, and Jo Clifford’s translation maintains the original’s poetic quality while incorporating bits of modern speech to help clarify the story. Bhandari passionately delivers Segismundo’s monologues about the injustice of his imprisonment and its effect on his leadership; she creates an image of the prince that is as lonely and desperate as it is hostile and wild. Through unorthodox casting, director Blake Montgomery, who also appears onstage, creates fascinating scenes like those shared by Astolfo and Estrella, members of the royal court making their own power plays. Rachel Griesinger portrays both roles, performing remarkable split-second character and costume shifts as she builds a romantic relationship with herself."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...In the end, this show is all about the actors and the fine way they navigate this epic play. The event prior to the show and the intermission performances do little to add to the experience, but do give a reason to grab a drink at the bar and there's nothing wrong with that. While I did not agree with every choice regarding the overall design and performance concept, the people performing make this a fun and engaging evening of theater, performance, and music."