The Man-Beast at First Folio Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"..."The Man-Beast" might be the most emotionally interiorized of Zettelmaier's deconstructed horror tales - we only know Virginie and Jean from what they tell each other, since there are no outside eyes here. But perhaps that too is appropriate for the season. After all, few demons are more horrifying than the memories, fears and resentments we host inside our heads. They may seem stuffed with sawdust, and their eyes made of glass, but we never know when they will rise up and make monsters of our psyches."

Daily Herald - Highly Recommended

"...Be forewarned, "The Man-Beast" is not for everyone, certainly not for children or more sensitive theatergoers. But for fans of gothic-style drama, it's a show with bite."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Zettlemaier's story, set in 18th-century France, is a fine yarn in its own right-a rough-hewn hunter conspires with a witchy wise woman to defraud the king of some werewolf bounty. But it's Laidlaw and Christensen, both at the top of their game, who bring out the best in it as well as in each other; their every scene crackles with tension (sexual and otherwise). Hayley Rice directs, though it's hard to say whether she coaxed these explosive performances or just lit the fuse and got out of the way."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"... Every autumn, First Folio Theatre celebrates October with a scary and/or macabre drama. This year, they’re kicking off their season with the premiere of “The Man Beast”, Joseph Zettelmaier’s third exploration of the horror genre. “The Man Beast”, a moody gothic tribute to the Loup-Garou, follows Zettelmaier’s unique spin on the Dracula legend, “Dr. Seward’s Dracula” and his bizarre angle on the Frankenstein legend, “The Gravedigger”. “The Man Beast is fascinating, romantic and very scary."