The Half-Brothers Mendelssohn presented by Strange Tree Group at Signal Ensemble Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...Along for the antics, just because, is the family gardener, a wonderful doofus of a man played by Andy Hager, who gives the show a needed jolt of comedic honesty. The production could use some more of that. Strange Tree has built its reputation with mildly bizarre, whimsically mannered shows, but it usually pulls it off a bit better than this."

Centerstage - Recommended

"...The show, with its generally light touch and Hodits upbeat pacing does become somewhat incomprehensible mid-way through its second act as the rules of time travel are written and unwritten and rewritten and finally appear to be scrapped altogether. But the show rights itself to end with a touching scene of reconciliation. In the midst of this hot and humid Chicago summer, "Half-Brothers Mendelssohn" blows through like a cool, refreshing breeze."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...Bagby's script, while packed with entertaining gags, goes off on a few more branches than it ought to, which probably contributes to the jagged pacing of Thrisa Hodits's production. While Ritter and Ruiter are sympathetic half-sibs, some of the rest of the uneven cast could leave you wishing for a little lost time back."

ShowBizChicago - Highly Recommended

"...Half-Brothers takes the audience on a comical, but also heartfelt look at the paradox that is created when one tries to change other people's perceptions of who they are and who they love. The cast does a fantastic job in presenting the eclectic group of characters, from theologians to scientists, lovers to haters, and geniuses to dopes as they attempt to alter time in their favor, regardless of the side effects."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...The ensemble acting was first class with Stuart Ritter's Theo and Brandon Ruiter's Nicholas leading a troupe of comic players. You'd be hard pressed to find a finer technical production with smart surprising and suspenseful action. The Strange Tree Group is know for their unique aesthetic that includes deft use of magical realism with doses of audience-interactive elements designed to tell refreshingly interesting stories. Bagby's The Half-Brothers Mendelssohn continues that tradition. This show is a summer treat!"

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...There’s something gentle about this play despite the frantic running about and loudness that is the usual mark of skit comedy. The set is smart and elegant in its simplicity. This Time Machine itself would make Rube Goldberg happy. Strange Tree ran an Indiegogo project to raise $2500 to build it and I hope the gizmo they’ve created does double as a still when the production finishes its run."

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"....This is one of those rare new works that is daring enough to take risks without going overboard. It succeeds not only because of its witty and well-written script, its wonderful direction and its simplistic set design, but primarily because the performers have really done their acting work and it shows. This cast took a premise that could easily come off as campy and they gave it truth. It gave everything a level of reality to an absurd story that is missing from many shows here in Chicago."