Speech and Debate Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...This production feels both physically more imposing (William Boles' set features a huge blackboard backdrop which doubles as a projection screen for the online plot developments) and - Rifai aside - a bit more emotionally restrained than the 2008 version. But "Speech & Debate" remains that rarest of things - a show that focuses on teenagers without pathologizing them, talking down to them or shunting their concerns aside as disposable pop-cultural detritus."

Centerstage - Recommended

"...The plot consists of Diwata’s good-hearted but also kind of dastardly wrangling of Howie and Solomon to join their school’s new Speech and Debate club. Howie is drawn in by his obsession with exposing closeted authority figures, while Solomon, who is out, proud who nearly exposed himself to one said authority figure, just wants to make it out of high school in one piece. It’s a play that basically dares you not to root for its ugly duckling/underdog heroes and it culminates in a dance number set to George Michael’s “Freedom” that is one of the most blatantly crowd-pleasing moments in modern American theatre."

ShowBizChicago - Highly Recommended

"...Speech & Debate, American Theater Company's remount of Stephen Karam's topical play, succeeds on several levels. First, under the direction of P.J. Paparelli, the story works as both a contemporary comedy and a topical drama. Second, the performances of the three leads are so polished, it is like watching a hit sit-com in its third season."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...And though the jokes in Speech & Debate receive their much-earned due under Paparelli’s well-paced direction, something about the more heavily pathos-laden dramatic scenes still feels somewhat underdeveloped. Still, I venture audiences will be more than willing to endure the frolicking highs of Speech and & Debate, even if it never quite hits the more resonant lows."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...Speech & Debate handles sensitive subject matter with a light, comedic touch which the cast executes to winning results including a choreographed sequence which is easily the highlight of the performance. However, some of the more serious moments of the play fail to find the resonance for which the script hopes. The production still delights and is at its strongest when fully embracing the more ridiculous aspects."

Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended

"..."Speech & Debate" offers continuous pleasure, buoyed by humor fired at the audience from unexpected off-the-wall angles. The play renders the stresses and confusions of adolescence without patronizing. These kids may be weird and funny but they face legitimate and pressing problems in their own minds and Karam shows them the proper respect. And when matters grow intense toward the end, the drama emerges naturally and credibly from the comedy. The production's biggest ornament remains Sadieh Rifai, who turns a potentially pathetic and ridiculous character into a comic gem with legitimate serious overtones."