Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...The cast eagerly jumps into this steaming cesspool of a story, nuance be damned. As a result, Shannon's roving eye for jailbait, and later his nervous breakdown, are not quite credible enough. Neither is Hannah's sexless calm. But the sum is more than the parts here, and the show achieves a pleasantly humid state of mind that is not unwelcome in these chilly days of autumn."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...As the unsettling story unfolds, everyone in "Iguana" is dealing with loss, lust and questions of eternity. As a director, Menendian has a strong hold on Williams' dramatic devices, which remain solid. But the casting of the three leads is problematic."
Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...Michael Menendian's staging is painstakingly detailed and emotionally fine-tuned, capturing this fever dream of second--or last--chances with compassion to spare. The love scenes aren't as sensual as they could be, but the gentle overtures between Kristen Williams Smith's incandescent Hannah Jelkes and Paul Dunckel's often too ludicrous Reverend Shannon are as strong as anything the Gentleman Caller offers Laura."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...Director Michael Menendian’s production is not intended for jaded scholars, however. The company assembled for this Raven Theatre production embraces its well-worn archetypes with intelligence, compassion and never a hint of condescension, bringing them to life with all the Chekhovian affection bestowed on them by their author’s hindsight."
Gay Chicago Magazine - Somewhat Recommended
"...At times whimsical and even slapstick, the story is deceptively intricate. On the surface, the production looks great, but as the characters deteriorate, so does the realization of the emotional drama. To pull this off there needs to be chemistry, and there is none. Maxine needs to be sexy and in control, instead of angry and pathetic. Shannon needs to be seductively charismatic and calculating, even in the midst of his narcissism but it is difficult to imagine him bedding anyone. Hannah, played by Kristen Williams Smith, comes closest to delivering the nuances of her character, but with little to play off of, her efforts are in vain."
Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...As New England spinster and unlikely soul mate Hannah Jelkes, Kristen Williams Smith doesn’t convey the calm power that’s needed, and her dialect seems more society than Nantucket. JoAnn Montemurro, for her part, should be seductive and slatternly as sexpot Maxine Faulk. The supporting cast, however, is excellent, and director Menendian and Leif Olsen’s set is a sensual triumph."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...The Night of the Iguana was Tennessee Williams’ last hit show and it contains his rich language that is sweet music to my ears. The elocution here played homage to Williams’ genius. Raven Theatre once again proves that non-Equity theatre can be first rate."
