The Green Book Reviews
Chicago Reader- Somewhat Recommended
"...But any and all virtues are outweighed by a scattershot first act, a raft of undeveloped relationships, and a moral certainty that offers more teaching moments than surprises. Under Ilesa Duncan's direction, this Pegasus-Shpiel Performing Identity coproduction is too reverential to overcome the problems. One interesting sidelight, though: perhaps in answer to the Magical Negro who shows up to aid white folks in so many movies, Ramsey gives the Davises a Magical Jew."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow- Highly Recommended
"...Director Ilesa Duncan did an excellent job of showing us this true story about the many dangers that African-Americans went through to travel through the South during the Jim Crow era and how The Green Book was used as a traveler's guide to help make it to the next safe location."
Chicago Theater and Arts- Highly Recommended
"...Now comes the play, “The Green Book” from playwright Calvin A. Ramsey that brings racism front and center to the stage. The multi-talented Ramsey co-authored the award-winning “Ruth and the Green Book,” written numerous other works and does photography and painting."
Chicago On Stage- Somewhat Recommended
"...Overall, The Green Book is a play you are probably better off missing. The show was shrouded with what appears to me as unprofessionalism as actors stumbled over lines and cues. The set was lovely, but did not make up for the players moving around on it. But maybe the production was doomed from the start. How does an actor perform a less than stellar script? The snarky side of me wants to point out that that is their job, but I’ll let them have this. I assure you that you can find better performed, more socially poignant shows elsewhere in Chicago."
Picture This Post- Highly Recommended
"...Overall though Duncan’s skillful hands do not sanitize our not so distant past and challenges us to work to be better today. Though The Green Book takes place over 60 years ago, the issues explored in Ramsey’s compelling work are still poignant and important in today’s climate. Exploration and understanding of the deep and painful history and continued legacy of racism and anti-Semitism is vital as these issues are still very much around today."