Chicago Reader
- Recommended
"...The cast commits to the caricatures without becoming too big for the small space. There?s a particularly delightful interlude where they assume the postures of Sir Oliver?s ancestors, posing behind empty picture frames to embody all the musty forebears one sees hanging in manor houses in every film about British aristocracy. Some moments perhaps milk the comedy a beat or two longer than necessary, but even then, the eye-candy costumes and wigs by Victoria Jablonski give you plenty to look at."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Richard B. Sheridan's "The School for Scandal" was initially presented in 1777 as a comedy of manners and a critique of the hypocrisy of the British upper classes. Today's production by the Idle Muse Theatre Company is sublimely directed and nicely adapted by Evan Jackson to retain the flavor of the original masterpiece, with its emphasis on material affluence, unfaithful men, and cheeky women. When it comes to gossiping, inventing rumors and falsehoods, and putting on airs, the humor works just as well nowadays as in the past."
The Fourth Walsh
- Highly Recommended
"...Peter is married to Lady T. Lady T is flirting with Joseph. Joseph is interested in Maria. Maria is crushing on Charles. When Lady S decides to help Joseph get Maria, she starts a smear campaign that Lady T and Charles are getting it on. Meanwhile, Peter is hating being married. Charles is drinking away his money. And Oliver worries his nephews are deadbeat losers. Aristocrats bide their time by spreading rumors, ruining reputations, and lustful debauchery. Playwright Richard B. Sheridan debuted his salacious satire in 1777. A quarter millennial later, Adaptor and Director Evan Jackson gives this comedy of manners a contemporary and clever makeover."
Third Coast Review
- Recommended
"...The lights slowly come down at the top of the show. Audience members quiet down and all look towards the stage, waiting for the action to begin. Then, the lights begin to flash. At first you might almost miss it-the flash is so quick. But then the flashes increase, and lighting designer Laura J. Wiley throws bright colors into the mix. Shades of pink and purple begin to fill the space as the actors strut onto the stage in time with sound designer L.J. Luthringer's boppy music. With the intimacy of the Edge Off-Broadway's space, the audience is immediately thrown into the action, almost as if we are in a dance club with the ensemble as they move about. It's opening night for Richard Brinkley Sheridan's Restoration comedy of manners, The School for Scandal, by Idle Muse Theatre"
Allie and the After Party
- Highly Recommended
"...Idle Muse takes the original comedy of errors that is The School for Scandal and amps the humor up to deliver on its already punchy script and adds more campy bits and slapstick humor. It's a fun production accentuated by fun scene changes and gorgeous costumes."
NewCity Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...A detailed and exquisite production presented on an intimate stage, this production of ?The School for Scandal? represents the best of what Chicago theater has to offer. It also is a stirring testament to how the best of art is able to transcend centuries. My hope is that it is immune from any poison letter stating otherwise."
