Chicago Reader
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Director Mitch Golob's gimcrack production for InFusion Theatre Company has its strengths: a solid, versatile cast and an effective multimedia contribution from Liviu Pasare. But it's plagued by lengthy, lethargic fight scenes and a hit-or-miss tone. The death of a protagonist triggered inappropriate giggles at the performance I attended."
Windy City Times
- Highly Recommended
"...An abundance of psychological complexity, then, lies beneath the seemingly endless array of adrenaline-pumping martial-arts spectacle—duels by flashlight, the "obligatory training montage" and the most original sword-cane stunt in Chicago stage combat history—choreographed by Geoff Coates for an athletic cast led by Christine Lin as the valiant Dewdrop. The real stars of the show, however, are the technical team of David Ferguson, Liviu Pasare, Charles Cooper, Miles Polaski and Joy Dennis, who together create a dramatic universe steeped in metaphor and mystery, where violence is not a mere enhancement but instead seamlessly integrated into their story's very foundations. Arigato gozaimasu, muh-fuhs!"
Centerstage
- Highly Recommended
"...InFusion’s multimedia work enhances the action by bringing in DJ Jesse Livingston to spin from start to finish, and a video screen that provides sound and visual effects, like lots of blood. The play draws on very specific action movie and comic book tropes but like other master aggregators, Quentin Tarantino, or Chicago’s own House Theatre at their best, it manages to distinguish itself."
Time Out Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Soul Samurai’s technical elements are amazing. Video is integrated to superb effect, with ’60s Batman “thwacks” punctuating the action and splattering blood filling in the gore. DJ Jesse Livingston spins an alluring soundtrack, hyping the copious fight scenes and underscoring the drama with a head-bobbing mix from RZA’s best early Wu-Tang beats. Organic and ingenious, they play together as mood-setting backdrop and a mechanism for wild innovation in mixed-media theater."
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Somewhat Recommended
"...I found the plot to be nothing more than an overly clichéd kung-fu movie that somehow sneaked its way on the stage. And why would you pay good money to see something dry like this when you could just watch your favorite action movie at home? I will admit that some points in the fight chorography were interesting to watch, but they are heavily blinded by weak performances from the actors. In my opinion as a theatre critic and also as a fellow audience member, I believe there is no worse torture then having to listen to atrocious dialects. Not to mention a character not being able to go one line without yelling profanity."
Chicago Theater Beat
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Considering how cool the show could be, the end product is just sort of disappointing. There’s a lot of flash, and Jesse Livingston’s musical styling adds some fun. But, for me anyway, it wasn’t enough to cover up the holes in Nguyen’s pedestrian script. How often, though, is there a chance to see live samurai battles in this city? The slice-and-dice novelty is indeed worth checking out."
