Stick Fly presented by Congo Square Theatre Company at Duncan YMCA

Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...Diamond's characters travel in circles that are just about as far from the world of August Wilson and his Pittsburgh backyards and diners as it is possible to get, and they operate in a privileged contemporary world beyond the reach of most blacks and whites. They also happen to be uneasy, full of ambivalence, angry, resentful and confused. And because they are never quite at ease with themselves, they can often get on your nerves."

Daily Herald - Recommended

"...Had Diamond narrowed her focus and concentrated more on the all-too-relevant issue of fathers' obligations to their children - which involve more than providing a comfortable lifestyle or a famous last name - this would be a better play. Still, "Stick Fly" isn't bad."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Though the pace flags slightly near the end, Diamond swings confidently from hyperarticulate grad-student-ese to plainspoken observation, and seems equally wise to the bullshit of both. Under Chuck Smith's expert direction for Congo Square Theatre Company, every cast member shines."

Windy City Times - Not Recommended

"...Stick Fly dwells on so many issues ( including interracial dating, subversive racism and gender sexism ) and subplots ( such as hidden flings, father resentment and class grudges ) in the meandering first act that your attention is stretched thin. By the time the major theme exploring the damaging effects of distant fathers on their neglected children comes to the fore, you’re not as invested as you could be."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...Easeful direction and finely tuned performances serve this Diamond well. Ann Joseph’s Taylor convincingly uses her sharp intellect both to cut others and to cover herself. And Phillip Edward Van Lear naturally inhabits the deeply flawed patriarch, Joseph."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...The writing has some stinging comments and the storyline is plausible and the work from Ann Joseph and Phillip Edward Van Lear is first-rate."