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Redtwist Theatre
Prayer Circle Reviews
Chicago Reader - Not Recommended
"...Despite the cast’s efforts, I had trouble buying into these characters. In plays that address religious extremism, it can be difficult to balance several priorities: convincing the audience that these people really believe what they do, helping us understand why someone might think this way, and ensuring that any comedic material remains above the fray of cheap laughs. Prayer Circle struggles on all three fronts."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Redtwist Theatre has never been afraid to present plays that make you think, question, and sometimes even feel uncomfortable. Its latest production, the world premiere of The Prayer Circle by Erik Gernard, directed by Dusty Brown, certainly continues that tradition."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...PRAYER CIRCLE is being given a very respectable production at Redtwist, as it opens the company’s awe-inspiring, 22nd season. This dark comedy will not only elicit laughter, with its gallows humor, but it may provide goosebumps for some audience members and make other theatergoers simply shudder. The subject is definitely fascinating, to say the least. But the way this story plays out, despite the laughs, it could become a little unsettling to someone who doesn’t truck with divine contract killing."
Buzz Center Stage - Recommended
"...Erik Gernand is resident playwright at Redtwist Theatre, and his Prayer Circle is absolutely laugh-out-loud funny. The strength of this script is the characters—who are clearly defined and familiar types—and the performances, directed by Dusty Brown, are uniformly outstanding."
BroadwayWorld - Recommended
"...Redtwist Theatre begins its 22nd season, entitled “State of Violence”, with the world premiere of Prayer Circle. This is resident playwright Erik Gernand’s second play with Redtwist since his successful Jeff-winning The Totality of All Things in 2024. What is brought to the stage is an enjoyable dark comedy evoking laughter and emotion from the audience."