Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Director Lili-Anne Brown’s production is staged on a grand, multi-level set from Lauren M. Nichols that is both a beautiful rendition of an affluent suburban home and a design that doesn’t entirely work for this production: an upper level is not used much, the wing prep is back away from the audience and a home basketball court, where most of the crucial scenes take place, is set off in a corner. You never feel like you are really in the heat of the kitchen or that these likable men are shoved together in the flow of kinetic motion that is communal cooking; too many lines end up landing straight upstage"
Chicago Sun Times
- Recommended
"...Director Lili-Anne Brown finds the right tone for the piece, and the performances infuse the right energy and capture the right sense of realness that both is and isn’t authentic. This is a world of hard choices that are solvable, prejudices that can be tamed, insecurities managed through supportive friendships. The sense of community is believable and warm and also idealized. People apologize for their flaws, and hurt feelings lead to hugs. Competition is all-involving, but winning isn’t everything."
Daily Herald
- Recommended
"...Directed with warmth and compassion by Lili-Anne Brown, Writers' production boasts first-rate actors. Kudos to all of them for the flavorful treat."
Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"...There is drama here onstage, but not life-altering tragedy. Brown's ensemble believably embodies men who have known each other for a long time and are accepting of each other's foibles, even though they can't resist getting in the occasional dig. The Hot Wing King reminds us that you may not always get what you think you're looking for in life, but trusting in a beloved community and your own talents may take you further than you ever dreamed possible."
Windy City Times
- Highly Recommended
"...From the get-go, Hall’s sparkling and speedy dialogue for The Hot Wing King demands attention. And director Lili-Anne Brown, along with her finely calibrated ensemble, all bring this to the forefront with plenty of honest emotion and distinctive physicality for each of the characters."
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Highly Recommended
"...Director Lili-Anne Brown has helmed a smart true ensemble with exceptional range that brings depth and feeling to the entertainment of this story."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
- Highly Recommended
"...Lauren M. Nicholas's set design was mesmerizing, leaving the entire audience in awe. Many were so captivated by the stage house setup, featuring a fabulous kitchen, that we were ready to move in right after the show! Throughout the play, Hall's genuine love for each character is evident. Her creativity effortlessly transitions scenes from joy to pain, exploring themes of interpersonal denial, grief, acceptance, and love. The play depicts an unconventional American family, shedding light on how we often emphasize our differences rather than our similarities. It illustrates how embracing and accepting our differences can lead to a more cohesive society. "The Hot Wing King" brings me to a place where we feel connected and understand each other, even if we're not entirely aligned."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Smoothly directed by Lili-Anne Brown, this is an amazing story with an ensemble that works quite well together. Often , when this many characters are placed in situations that take on a life of their own, one or two stand out and the others fade into the set. Not so in this production. All six blend together and the main four characters appear to be exactly who they are playing, almost as if this is who they are."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...Lili-Anne Brown’s peppy and positive production of Katori Hall’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play is like a whirling dervish. It’s constantly spinning, full of motion and overloaded with laughs and life. The comedy is a celebration of family, friendship and food, seasoned with a few moments of drama, and highlighted by realistic and rousing performances filled with fun. There can be no better way to bring the excellent 2023/24 season at Writers Theatre to a close and celebrate Gay Pride month. This gloriously joyful production is a testament to the fact that Ya Gotta Have Friends in this crazy world, especially if you’re going to survive everything that life throws at you."
Buzz Center Stage
- Recommended
"..."The Hot Wing King" delivers a heartwarming dramedy that celebrates Black joy and resilience. It shines with its strong central performances and vibrant production design, creating a fun and relatable world. Audiences seeking a feel-good story with a touch of Southern charm are sure to enjoy "The Hot Wing King.""
Chicago Theater and Arts
- Recommended
"...The acting is excellent, but I think the audience would appreciate the problems the partners faced if they understood more of the back story earlier instead of just clues from remarks."
Chicago On Stage
- Recommended
"...Ultimately, though we can easily predict the resolution of the Cordell/Dwayne situation (which is a bit of a strained subplot about a strained relationship), and the TJ & son subplot resolves way too easily and mostly offstage, Hall’s characters are so fundamentally enjoyable that they never fail to hold our interest. The Hot Wing King (and yes, there is an actual crown) is a joyous celebration of the many ways men can come together in friendship and love. I saw it on the last day of Pride month and was struck by the fact that even the clearly heterosexual characters were totally comfortable with all of the others. If only we could be this way in real life."
Chicago Culture Authority
- Recommended
"...The core couple are people who are easy to care about, and it’s satisfying to watch them begin to work through their issues toward a better life together. Sometimes in theater, as in life, you just need a good hang. That’s exactly what The Hot Wing King delivers."
Evanston Roundtable
- Highly Recommended
"...Black masculinity, same sex relationships and superficial friendships turn into a heartfelt commentary on what it means to be a family. The comic relief is an effective diversion, but the more challenging relationships are what made this play a Pulitzer Prize winner in 2021."
Splash Magazine
- Highly Recommended
"...The Hot Wing King is not only a visual spectacular, but with live cooking heating up the stage, you’ll also be taking in the scent of the barbecue sauce as well."
BroadwayWorld
- Highly Recommended
"...Writers Theatre's HOT WING KING gives audiences a great meal to savor, from the sweet to the salty to the bitter and everything in between. It's a fitting bookend to Braden Abraham's first season as Writers' artistic director and a testament to his and his artists' commitment to exploring the many ways language unites disparate communities striving for connection."
NewCity Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Sensory flavors of savory, sweet and spicy are expertly balanced by the ensemble. The cheekily vulgar comedic relief by Byrd and Harris will have you busting a gut. A dialectic between Everett’s real and surrogate father(s) is an accurate reflection of real-world conversations about the importance of stability for Black male youth, views about same-sex parents and the true definition of “manhood.” When the story gets too hot, the ensemble pulls together to balance the pathos with over-the-top comedy, like a gulp of cool milk after finishing a spicy dish."
