Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...An Obama critique (details in a moment) is indeed at the heart of Richard Nelson's magnificent quartet of Apple Family plays, two of which, "That Hopey Changey Thing" (set in 2010) and "Sorry" (2012), are premiering in repertory at the TimeLine Theatre, one of this city's most nimble artistic operations. I saw them both, with a break between, on Saturday. Each works alone. "Sorry" is the better of the two very strong shows, if you only have time for one."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Audiences headed to TimeLine Theatre to see one or both of Richard Nelson's tightly connected Apple Family plays - "That Hopey Changey Thing" and "Sorry" - are strongly advised to eat before arriving. That is because the tense, animated talk that fills both of these works takes place around the large dining room table of the family's home in Rhinebeck, New York, the beautiful historic town in the Hudson River Valley that lies about 100 miles north of New York City and 60 miles south of Albany. And Nelson gives us a whole lot to chew on."
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The current-affairs conversations in the scripts-mild disagreements over Andrew Cuomo or Kirsten Gillibrand, discussions of ongoing political fights over Obamacare or campaign finance reform-naturally have a different effect now than when they were actually current; it can start to feel like listening to old NPR broadcasts. But it's the Apple family that drives these works, and in embodying and humanizing them, TimeLine's productions couldn't be juicier."
Chicago On the Aisle - Somewhat Recommended
"...But "That Hopey Changey Thing" gets bogged down in its roundtable of political dithering. It becomes a high-minded slog, wordy and circular, in retrospect a blur. It might have been group play-acting in a some college course on social psychology - were it not for Uncle Benjamin."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...The plot, of course, is the people. Nelson makes us eavesdroppers on these unrotten Apples, tenderly depicting their once and future flaws, the standards they exact or derive from each other, and the cumulative truth from apparent discord and denial. It's all marvelously mirrored in Brian Sidney Bembridge's picture- and period-perfect dining room. Contey's six players give realism a new lease on life."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...That Hopey Chnagey Thing is playwright Richard Nelson's Chekhovian styled family drama that gives audiences a realistic glimpse into the heart of human behavior in the context of the family. Through naturalistic dialogue (Nelson has a terrific ear for the way people speak), Nelson uses realistic passive-aggression and the inevitable opening of old wounds as the family's struggle to keep civility is effectively played out with looks and non-verbal gestures. Besides the midterm elections and the state of the country, the Apples speak of both the state of Uncle Benjamin as he struggles (with Barbara's devoted help) with acute amnesia."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This play can certainly stand on its own as a portrayal of the American family in transition; however, when viewed as the first installment of Richard Nelson’s carefully thought out, wonderfully written dramatic quartet, it gives audiences a deep sense of who these people are and where they’re going. Seeing both plays, especially within the same day, makes a visit with the Apples all the more meaningful and memorable."
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...What I love about Nelson's writing is the layered and authentic storytelling. Nothing is simple and it's all connected in intricate entanglements. First, there is an overarching political theme connected to a moment in USA history. Next, there is the family's loving concern for a man who was both a respected celebrity and patriarch. And within that family story is each individual's tales of careers, kids, and romances. Everybody has stuff going on. Everyone is flawed. This IS lives in progress. And it's the honesty of the messiness of life and relationships that made me love these Apples. And after experiencing HOPEY and SORRY, I was ready for more Apples!"
NewCity Chicago - Recommended
"...If you enjoy rethinking your political manners and like to laugh while doing so, go to this play."
