Richard III presented by Eclectic Full Contact Theatre at Athenaeum Theatre

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...In Eclectic Full Contact Theatre's production, directed by Natividad Uehara, Richard (Andrew Pond) is just a garden-variety ass in a bar-a karaoke bar with rose-themed decor where satin-clad souses sidle up to a mike that seems to lay the curse of crooning flat. One song that becomes a refrain in this production is literally about a "bowl of crap." "I'm so full of crap," belt two singers, one before and one after intermission. What this has to do with Richard, it is difficult to know, and what motivates the man besides his arrogance is bludgeoned out of this rendition, where everyone emotes by shouting and no one seems to have read the words coming out of their mouths before."

Chicago Theatre Review - Somewhat Recommended

"...This is indeed an interesting and unique production. Its attempt to make Shakespeare’s sixteenth century historical drama feel contemporary and accessible, but ultimately it ends up being more confusing than meaningful and enlightening. Featuring strong performances by several members of this large cast, it’s Andrew Pond’s realistic, heartfelt portrayal of Richard that is the most compelling reason to see and admire this production."

Picture This Post - Somewhat Recommended

"...If you’re a fan of classic Shakespeare done in classic Shakespeare ways, this might not be the production for you. However, if you’re a fan of Shakespeare and like to see his works put in different settings, this production of RICHARD III would be a good fit for you."

NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...I'm sure I wasn't the only theatergoer who mentally translated Eclectic Full Contact Theatre's production of "Richard III," set in Jazz Age Chicago, to modern-day Washington, D.C. The title character is an entitled sociopath who announces and visibly relishes his falseness and villainy, who lies and schemes with compulsive zeal, who demands blind loyalty from his underlings but has none toward them and who is always just a little more ruthless and aggressive than his rivals. One wonders why director Natividad Uehara didn't outfit her protagonist in a red tie and tweet-spewing smartphone, rather than a carnation-bedecked gangster's suit and a switchblade. What with the irresistible analogies, the audience will be doing it anyway."