Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Although the family’s relationships could be better developed, O’Neill’s play effectively strips back the political rhetoric and examines the personal reasons that drive people to violence. When she has finished telling her family’s story, Fianna challenges the audience to judge for themselves: “Was it worth it?” I can’t imagine anyone answering in the affirmative. While not exactly a pacifist’s creed, “The Kelly Girls” reveals the hollow shells of individual lives and families that bloodshed leaves behind."
Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...But it’s ultimately a story of how these two sisters found themselves (or placed themselves: no need to deny them agency) in a cascading series of events that ends with them facing the horrors of force-feeding as both sisters participate in a hunger strike in England, demanding a return to an Irish prison after their convictions in the Old Bailey bombing. Along the way, we see the 1972 “Bloody Sunday” massacre of peaceful marchers by the British army, which proves to be a radicalizing event for Regan in particular."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Commanding performances by Amber Washington, Brittney Brown, and Ann Sheridan Smith make the Factory Theater's world premiere production of "The Kelly Girls" a standout. Written by ensemble member Shannon O'Neill and carefully directed by Spenser David, this thought-provoking drama personifies "the Troubles" in Belfast, Northern Ireland, from the 1960s forward. We see violent sectarian conflict brought down to the level of the microcosm, as we follow the exploits of two young Catholic girls, their families, their military team leaders, and their comrades-in-arms."
The Fourth Walsh - Recommended
"...O’Neill’s volatile story is an eye-opener for anyone. Some, especially Irish Americans, may have familiarity with the Northern Ireland conflict. Others may struggle for understanding as the storytelling is fast-paced. One thing is certain, THE KELLY GIRLS will definitely leave a mark. The aftermath is blood-soaked realization. "
Third Coast Review - Recommended
"...Fianna and Regan Kelly are The Kelly Girls, teenagers living in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in the 1960s. But don’t confuse them with the “Derry Girls,” who are happily obsessed with teenaged issues such as boys and parties, while the Troubles rage around them, until their Netflix series ends with the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. The Kelly Girls are sharpshooters and fiery activists, committed to carrying on the cause of a united Ireland. They’re inspired and coached by their parents, Shane (Ben Veatch) and Dierdre (Anne Sheridan Smith), longtime IRA members. Shannon O’Neill’s world premiere play, The Kelly Girls, now on stage at the Factory Theater, is inspired by the real-life story of two other sisters who committed their lives to that fight."
Life and Times - Highly Recommended
"...“The Kelly Girls” is a play that tackles the difficult question of allegiance. When you pledge your allegiance to a cause – are you pledging your support of the ideas or of the leader? And, if those ideas or leaders change, what does that do to the oath you took? Furthermore, where should an allegiance to a cause come in the grand hierarchy in relation to one’s allegiance to family, friends, country and the truth?"
NewCity Chicago - Recommended
"...Directed by Spenser Davis, this is a rough, intimate play, set in a tiny seventy-seat storefront theater. The clever set by Manuel Ortiz represents both interiors and exteriors—dark red brick walls decorated with political handbills, dishes for tea, stacked munitions and medical supplies, and even a mural reminiscent of the famous resistance murals in Derry’s Catholic quarter. Hard-driving Irish music (artists include L.A. band Flogging Molly) plays during scene changes. Brilliant sound and light effects from Hannah Foerschler and Benjamin Carne (respectively) work together to depict bombs, a kidnapping by truck, and distant gunfire."
