Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...The plot of the original play need not concern us here: It's a multi-lover, multi-multi-suitor affair involving potential pairs of twins, a clever valet (played by the likable LaShawn Banks) and the other tools of the French comedic trade, perhaps the second-oldest profession of the great Gallic nation. As silly as the whole thing feels, it really is an uncommonly droll take on what was always a very smart and well-crafted play - Corneille being a bit more thematically fluid than the stauncher Moliere - and full of genuinely funny puns, pronouncements and posturing. Better yet, "The Liar" has the benefit of the direction of William Brown, a romantic at heart whose palpable interest in emotion acts as a nice counterpoint to the natural Ives inclination to get trapped in circles of overachieving verbosity."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...I am no great fan of 18th century French comedies of manners. A little of all that "lifestyles of the nouveau riche and their servants" goes a very long way. But director William Brown's production of "The Liar," now at Writers' Theatre, is so effervescent, clever and deliciously played that I have been at least temporarily converted."
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...While the whole cast shines, the undeniable star turn here is Burger's as the dashing comic antihero. The young actor already had one breakout role this season under Brown's direction, captivating our attention for 100 minutes alone onstage in TimeLine Theatre Company's P.O.W. drama Wasteland. Now he proves equally capable of leading-indeed, running away with-an ensemble comedy."
Chicago On the Aisle - Highly Recommended
"...Director William Brown keeps the story moving at a merry pace, on an effectively simple set by Keith Pitts that's basically stacked circular platforms with a sliding rear screen. So much the better to show off Rachel Anne Healy's sumptuous costumes, especially the grand gowns worn by Clarice and Lucrece."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Nate Burger demonstrates impeccable comedic instincts and proceeds with all the raw spontaneous energy of someone seemingly making it up as he goes along, effortlessly mirroring Dorante's own ability to think on his feet. And LaShawn Banks is so funny you forget he's actually the most serious character in the play. And of special note is Anne E. Thompson who gives a dual performance as the twin maid servants Isabelle and Sabine, distinguished only by an upraised collar and choker. Isabelle is a flirtatious optimistic in contrast to her austere sister Sabine, but Thompson's quick-change transitions are seamless and perfectly counterpointed one to the other."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended
"...THE LIAR is a witty, pretty fibber. Hot dog, Burger is delicious in this French fried comedy! This show is a great summer escape from reality. It'll make you want to fib your way into someone's heart. And that's no lie!"
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...The production is blessed with superior performances by Laura Rook (Clarice) and Kalen Harriman (Lucrece), characters who are as different in personality and appearance as their names are similar (creating most of the identity confusion). Rook's Clarice starts out as the dominant female but Harriman's Lucrece catches her in the second act and they finish in a dead heat as they sort out who will wind up with which mate. As Cliton, LaShawn Banks is fine, as usual, this time as the typical Moliere servant who is smarter and more observant than his light-brained employer. Michael Perez operates on a short fuse the entire play as the jealous Alcippe and his half of the silent sword fight is brilliant. Jonathan Weir creates the only realistic character in the play as Doronte's father, who almost gets swallowed up in the romantic confusions. Samuel Ashdown does well as Philiste, making the most of being a fifth wheel in the narrative."
