Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...This journeyman, sometimes pedestrian, version of "The Kite Runner" doesn't have that level of ambition, despite its Broadway pedigree. Granted, it has its moments: I liked the touring cast very much indeed and I think the show is a good idea for a young person studying the book, for it will set the mind and heart racing when it comes to what (for me) is its central themes: the morality, or lack thereof, of self-protection if personal survival so demands and how individuals can and should love even when surrounded by oppression."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"..."The Kite Runner" is not really a political novel, even if its very existence has political context and meaning. It's a twisty, entertaining, dark personal story, and it's the quality of this storytelling that has sold over 30 million copies worldwide."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...There is a strong suggestion in Hosseini’s book that is also captured well here by Wiley Naman Strasser’s Assef: namely, that bullies will use any political or religious excuse to justify their sociopathic cruelty. But throughout Giles Croft’s staging, I felt that I was being told a story from a narrative distance, rather than invited into one. The story of Afghanistan’s history over the last 50 years is, of course, particularly complex. But I think The Kite Runner as a piece of theater would work better if it concentrated on the two lost boys at the heart of the story."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Directed by Giles Croft, the touring production of The Kite Runner at CIBC Theatre is an intensely human piece of theatre perhaps better suited for a more intimate venue. Based on the best-selling book by Khaled Hosseini, the stage adaption by Matthew Spangler attempts to pare down a decades-long story of a man reflecting on his childhood in Afghanistan into a two-and-a-half-hour evening. It's a massive challenge, and Spangler is mostly successful."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...Ramzi Khalaf's captivating narration using kites brings to life the journey of the protagonist, Amir, from his childhood in Kabul to his challenging transition to adulthood. The story unfolds as he and his father escape to San Francisco to evade the oppressive regime of the Taliban. Prevailing throughout the play was Amir's cowardness, guilt, and shame for not being his father's desired child and the mysterious and annoying love Baba had for Ali's son Hassan, played by Shahzeb Zahid Hussain."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The ensemble is brilliant and proves what I have always said about a play. The story can be great and the direction superb, but without a strong cast of ensemble members, even the best of performers cannot carry the play alone. The tabula artist ( I am pretty sure this is the musician who is onstage for the entire 2 plus hours), Salar Nadar and performers: Johnathan Shaboo,Hassan Nazari-Robati, Wiley Naman Strasser, Danish Farooqui, Jade Ziane, Sophie Zmorrod, Kevin Stevens and James Rana. All terrific."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini's splendid literary masterpiece, comes to life in Matthew Spangler's stage adaptation. It's brilliantly Directed by Giles Croft, who had a long relationship with this play. This is a stunning production, peopled with realistic characters playing out Hosseini's riveting story of guilt and redemption. An adult story, it's a rollercoaster ride of honest emotions, and told by a talented cast of fifteen gifted actors. The play explores fear, shame, grief, sadness, anger and, ultimately, joy. It offers the main character the chance for remediation in a way to be good again. This really is a gorgeous play and, since it's only in Chicago for a couple of weeks, is a story that truly should not be missed."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...THE KITE RUNNER is based on the book by Khaled Hosseini, adapted for the stage by Matthew Spangler. Be warned that THE KITE RUNNER is not a light-hearted tale of boys frolicking in fields; many scenes in THE KITE RUNNER will be triggering to many people. These duplicities and complexities are what make THE KITE RUNNER a superb story."
Third Coast Review - Recommended
"...The scenes in The Kite Runner are marvelously rendered by the entire cast, under the able direction of Giles Croft. In addition to Ramzi Khalaf as Amir, other outstanding performances are given by Haythem Noor as Baba, Shahzeb Zahid Hussain as Hassan, Jonathan Shaboo as a relative and Awesta Zarif as Amir’s wife, Soraya."
Chicago On Stage - Somewhat Recommended
"...There are scenes in the touring production of The Kite Runner that are absolutely exquisite. The first major one involves the titular activity, which is part of a Kabul kite-flying competition, a cut-throat activity in which contestants try to down opposing kites by severing their strings with vicious moves. The "kite runners" chase after the fallen kites to claim them as souvenirs. With actors all over the stage, a tabla artist (Salar Nader) onstage to provide rhythmic atmosphere, kites (practical and digital) seemingly everywhere, and wind noise makers whirling in multiple hands, the scene is transcendent. Unfortunately, the emotion it reveals-both in the audience and the characters-does not last."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...If you've never read the bestselling novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini-a tale of friendship between two Afghan boys and how their choices dictate their adult lives-you are missing a real treatise in the nature of youth growing up. And as the audience was witness to the luscious theatrical take of the novel by Matthew Spangler, playing at Broadway in Chicago's CIBC Theatre through June 23, it is striking how many of the themes that progress throughout the story are so universal and timeless, both in the family dynamic and inside us all as individuals. Friendship, betrayal, bigotry, sacrifice, courage (or lack of), there is an endless touch on all these ideas. It's a stark lesson for all in Afghan culture and tradition that becomes highly accessible to all who invest in the storytelling, which, even in its challenges, is first rate and quite articulate."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...Matthew Spangler's adaptation of Hosseini's novel and Giles Croft's direction is captivating. Shaahzeb Zahid Hussain ably portrays the faithful, innocent servant Hassan. He is also cast as Sohrab. Hassan is a Hazara minority, illiterate, discriminated against by the majority Pashtun population, and reviled by the villainous bully Assef Convincing, played by Wiley Naman Strasser. Even his best friend, Amir, mocks him repeatedly despite Hassan protecting and defending him at every turn."
BroadwayWorld - Somewhat Recommended
"...But for all the talents of its cast and often inventive direction, this dramatized KITE RUNNER stands on shaky ground as an adaptation of a beloved novel that has sold millions of copies and been translated into scores of languages. Much of the play's action is narrated to audiences by Amir, but Spangler's script frequently forgets the cardinal rule of "show, don't tell," sometimes attempting to do both simultaneously."
NewCity Chicago - Recommended
"...This fine line of censure and sympathy is adeptly explored in “The Kite Runner,” a play based on the best-selling book by Khaled Hosseini, directed by Giles Croft and adapted by Matthew Spangler, now running through June 23 at CIBC Theatre."