The Mysterious Elephant, And the Terrible Tragedy of the Unlikely Addington Twins* (*Who Kill Him) presented by Strange Tree Group at Chopin Theatre

Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...The show has the look of an Edward Gorey picture book (but colorized) and the mind-set of Pirandello (think "Six Characters in Search of an Actor," but alter the title to read "Two Characters in Rebellion Against Their Author"). It sounds clever enough -- and you can only admire the elaborate artfulness of the show's design, its spirited cast of 13 and the musical interludes (a nod to Gilbert & Sullivan) played and sung by the actors. But "The Mysterious Elephant" clocks in at more than two hours, which is a solid 90 minutes beyond sustainability."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...despite these structural flaws and the usual sight-line problems created by pillars in the Chopin Theatre’s basement space, The Mysterious Elephant is delightful, primarily because its creators have a firm handle on the arch but accessible dialogue and a robust commitment to every bit of wordplay: for every line that induces a groan, there are at least three that elicit hearty laughs. Designwise, Galen Pejeau’s jumble of set pieces and the ensemble-created costumes and props convey the sense that they opened a long-closed trunk in an attic and put on the show with the contents—and I mean that as a compliment."

Windy City Times - Highly Recommended

"...Though there are overly whimsical elements in Emily Schwartz's comedy with music, this merrily macabre production is neither too serious nor twee to be detrimental to your health. In fact, The Mysterious Elephant is a thorough delight that playfully toys with the whole notion of storytelling."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...Playwright Schwartz thrives at the intersection of goofy and ghoulish, and the quasi-Victorian Elephant environment only makes the obligatory invocations of Edward Gorey and Charles Addams even harder for us to avoid. Schwartz, though, also cuts her creepiness with a kindness less common in the cartoonists’ work."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...This show is well-written, surprisingly clever and filled with humor, rich characters and excellent performances. There is much to admire and laugh at in this special show. You need to experience an Emily Schwatrz comedy to see a wonderful new voice emerging. This is a delightful, fun show. Laughs and cleverness abound—The Strange Tree Group does Chicago storefront theater proud."