Chicago Tribune - Not Recommended
"...Unpacking this play is no small task, and yet layers of meaning and metaphor are strangely absent in director Max Truax's incoherent production for Trap Door, a stumble for a company that tends to do better work. Stylistic details feel random (each character wears a framed portrait of themselves around their neck for elusive reasons), and the performances mannered to the point of not making sense. Neither subversive-seeming or unsettling or even darkly funny in its satire of power, the production, alas, is far too dull to work even as a parody of arty theater pretensions."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...In director Max Truax's indeterminate staging, actors are stranded on a nearly blank stage where no discernible world—literal, figurative, or otherwise—ever emerges. With no markers to provide scale or direction, they're left to pace nervously for two hours, conjuring an unsettled swoon that spirals in on itself for two largely indecipherable hours."
Centerstage - Recommended
"...Genet has crafted an intricate machine for displaying and activating all sorts of raw human emotions: fear, insecurity, lust, desire. There is a lot going on between the lines, some of it outrageously funny, still more heart-wrenchingly honest, and it’s easy to miss it because of the extremity of what the play asks for. Prostitutes dressed up like horses and brothel clients asking for real lice within their wigs make for some shocking mental images."
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...An attempt at immersive seating by set designer Joanna Iwanicki envelops some audience members around the action in onstage booths—in theory, at least. At the opening weekend performance I attended, there were very few takers. With the inherent limitations of their thimble-sized Bucktown space, I wouldn't mind seeing Beata Pilch and company push the boundaries even further—and they're just the company to do it."
Stage and Cinema - Somewhat Recommended
"...The Balcony is a bit of a come down for director Max Truax. While those familiar with his work have likely come to love his tense, mind-bending, boundary-pushing style, he's a bit messy here, and can't seem to bring his ensemble in focus. Furthermore, much of the ensemble is sloppy-some seem to not have much grasp on their characters, while others even flub lines. Trap Door's production values seem to have also taken a hit. With some of the finest talent of the city, one cannot help but wonder why this production falls into mediocre territory, far short of the sum of its parts."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...While some parts of this over written show can be a challenge to keep up with, the over all production provides enough intrigue and sensual stimulation to be a theatrical treat. The costumes are unique, the acting pushes the extremes, and the atmosphere engaging. The surreal world of sexual fetishes and the raw expression of power is vividly exposed for all their trappings. The Balcony, like most Trap Door Theatre productions is an acquired taste like a very dry martini. For a unique theatrical experience, see The Balcony – it’ll tickle your theatrical bones. Be warned that it is 110 minutes of unexpected sensuality presented by a game cast of dedicated players."
Chicago Theatre Review - Somewhat Recommended
"...The only thing that I wasn’t taken with was the text. This dark, sexual play was full of elaborate symbolism and poetic language. I understood the essence of what was happening, but much of the subtext went over my head. The play and the production were also a little bit too graphic and sexual for me. You really should be prepared for what you’re seeing. Trap Door is devoted to unearthing obscure works, many of them European, and staging them. They recently had a tour through Romania and Hungary, which seemed well received. But The Balcony is nowhere near a lighthearted outing to the theatre and the subject matter is dense enough to get lost in. If gothic horror type theatre is what you’re interested in, or you’re set on trying something completely different, please enjoy the quality of The Balcony. But just remember I warned you."
