The Mark Of Kane at City Lit Theater

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...In City Lit Theater’s entertaining world premiere, directed by Terry McCabe, Josh Zagoren plays Kane as a glad-handing, ascot-wearing dandy who bears a bit of a resemblance to Adam West’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne, Batman’s daylight alter ego, in the 1966-68 ABC TV series Batman. Weirdly, Zagoren’s Kane never ages, even though the play’s action spans 35-plus years. Finger is played by Todd Wojcik as a sweet, sad dreamer who has developed a rich fantasy life to compensate for low self-esteem instilled as a boy by his psychologically abusive family."

Windy City Times - Recommended

"...This robust new play reveals the writers and artists who launched an enduring icon of American popular culture, Batman. It's peopled with colorful freelance artists and writers scrambling for a living in the slightly-shady '30s early comic book industry."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Enormously thought-provoking, delightfully stimulating, and wretchedly heartbreaking, “The Mark of Kane” is a narrative drama that excels in every way. Beautifully written by Mark Pracht and directed by Terry McCabe, this is one of the best shows I’ve ever seen in a long time. This world premiere production by City Lit Theater is not to be missed!"

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...Mark Pracht has written a fascinating biographical play about two friends, a pair of creative geniuses. One rose to the top of his game by using the artistry of those around him, men who believed he was their friend, and then leaving them in the cold. The other was a modest, shining star among the other artists, a man whose light would eventually be dimmed and ultimately extinguished by a smug, self-entitled tyrant. But, despite the drama and the lessons learned through this true story, in the end what really matters is that Batman Begins"

Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended

"...After going behind Finger’s back to essentially steal their creation, Kane became well-known and very rich, which his co-creator…did not. Told through a series of scenes recalling the birth of the character through the memories of several members of the writing team at the first ComicCon, The Mark of Kane is riveting despite the fact that it is ultimately about a “supervillain” whose crime is the notably un-flashy one of having enough greed and business sense to screw his partner out of his share of what they made. Not exactly The Joker (who was also Finger’s creation)."

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Perfectly cast in their roles, the character’s fanciful stories not only lighten the mood but also provide critical insight into the frantic publishing world of the late 1930s/early 1940s. Accomplished kibitzers as well, the three actors perfectly recreate the camaraderie earned when collaborating deep into the night. It is in this world where Bill Finger earned his true success: the undying respect of his peers. It is insights like these, wonderfully achieved through an exceptionally well-executed production, that makes this recommended for more than just comic-book lovers."