The Lover presented by Soul Theatre at A Red Orchid Theatre

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Paul Wagar's staging for Soul Theatre features a Mad Men-esque period set by Grant Sabin and some nice bantering chemistry from Ravi Batista and Mick Weber as the couple. But inasmuch as Wagar favors surface style over deeper ironies, the script's steamier tensions remain at a frustrating remove."

Chicago Theatre Addict - Recommended

"...This play is quintessential Pinter. I mean, we have a couple that spends an entire play saying nothing but lies to each other, with menacing pauses peppered throughout, and a set comprising a sofa, a table and a cocktail cabinet. So, if you enjoy Pinter, you’ll enjoy this focused, taut production under Paul Wagner’s precise direction that stresses the play’s sultry drama."

Stage and Cinema - Not Recommended

"...The Lover marks the Soul Theatre’s first full production in seven years, as well as their first Equity production, utilizing the A Red Orchid Theatre’s space for their three week engagement. Regarding Soul Theatre’s mission (“Scatterbrain sweetness runs through our veins”), who isn’t a fan of feel-good theatre? But what makes us feel the best is, well, good theatre. Unfortunately, this is where The Lover fails to deliver."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"... This is subtle yet strong play that will keep you on the edge of your seatsas we wonder whatwill happen next. Both actors are intenseand honest.Theshort55 minute work comes with a series of sex oriented lectures with topics ranging from Lap Dancing classes to healthy aphrodisiacs lectures to group sexual meditation classes to a lecture about sex toys by a woman from a sex shop. That was the lecture I was forced to listen to until I was sogrossed out by the lady telling me how whips, cock rings and dildos will stimulate great sex for folks over 40 that I boltedfor thedoor. I’d advisethose attending The Lover to sit near an exit in case they startthedistasteful lectures without giving the audience a chance to leave. Most folks come to theatre to enjoy a play not to be lectured by sex oriented merchants trying to hawk their products. Be warned. The Lover is worth see but I’d skip the ill-advised tasteless lectures."

Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Somewhat Recommended

"...Wagner paces it with slow and sometimes stilted foreplay. There is steamy titillation but there’s also a why-did-you-put-that-there moment. A milkman arrives in a scene. But instead of amusing and ironical, it feels odd. The couple, Ravi Batista and Mick Weber are the lovers. Their *real life* significant others should be jealous. Batista and Weber ignite the room with sensual heat. In one scene where they play a whirlwind of sexual escapades, Weber commands the stage with his ever-changing personas. Wagner has Batista deliver a more affected performance. Whereas I believe a fearful Weber is losing himself in the dark make-believe, I see Batista as always in control of her role-playing and her reaction. Although Wagner has Weber blurring the lines of realism and pretend, he has Batista stay more on the surface of emotional upheaval. It’s makes for some awkward foreplay amongst steamy moments."