The Maids Reviews

Centerstage - Somewhat Recommended

"...Oracle Theater’ production, regrettably, puts many impediments in the way of that connection. The actors make a heroic effort to pull off the level of drama their director sets for them when the play begins–but the play demands escalation from that point, and there is nowhere to go."

Chicago Stage Review - Somewhat Recommended

"...Oracle’s The Maids offers yet another impressively exigent production to the theatrically adventurous masses. You are not spoon fed by these demented maids, but you will be captivated by their chaos nonetheless."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...The cumulative effect is hypnotic, almost to the point of soporific. It’s claustrophobic being inside Claire and Solange’s tiny world. When Madame finally arrives, it’s worth the wait. Sasha Grishkov, a Russian-Israeli actress making her Chicago debut, nails the petulantly brutish Madame. Economical with her vain, fluttery gestures, exercising a vocalist’s range of subtle tones, Grishkov modernizes and electrifies a play that feels teeteringly close to no longer being avant-garde."

Chicago Theatre Addict - Recommended

"...While Genet’s overly wordy script proves exhausting at times, Oracle’s production is nothing short of fascinating. And, as a public access theatre, totally free. Though, donations are happily accepted."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"... My only problem with this expertly acted show was the lack of dramatic tension due mainly to the long, often rambling speeches. With a tighter pace and some edits, the suspense element could move The Maids from an absurdist drama into a fine thriller. As now played,we are never quite sure what is at stake here. The sophisticated role-playingritual was superbly staged by Ben Fuschen and nicely acted by Logan and Lewis. The sexual implications and the personal catharsiswerestrongly hinted. The Maids is, indeed, an actor’s showcase featuring both Lewis and Logan playing females. The performances keep the show alive for me. I believe The Maids is an wordy work that suffers from too little dramaticaction. Kudos to Logan and Lewis for their emotionally wrenching performances."

Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended

"...THE MAIDS is a tightly-packed journey into insanity. It’s well worth the road trip to Oracle Theatre. And through their new public access format, it’s free!"