Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Both actors are accomplished and Gerace, to his credit, injects some tension in what are very fast-moving theatrical proceedings in an aptly confined space at The Den (the set is by Jack McGaw). And, to McKinley's credit, he forges a plot twist very applicable for these early days of the Trump administration, when those who do not like the way a story is going are increasingly adept at putting the focus on the reporters themselves. "The Source" is not fake news, and it's not without entertainment value. It just needs more grounding in the actual practice of the prosaic acts that can unseat, or at least unsettle, the powerful."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...It's possible that McKinley's script isn't really as dour as it seems here. Maybe Gerace and his cast of two, Kristina Valada-Viars and Cody Proctor, simply can't find their way to the comic absurdities proliferating around wild Oona and tight-ass Vernon as they pursue their serious business. But having seen Proctor and Valada-Viars do fine, funny work before, I doubt it. The atmosphere is tense and earnest-and less than coherent-throughout. Unformed as it is, the big idea remains oppressively present. The Source may resonate with It Happened One Night, but the result is all No Exit."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...Within the environment assembled by Route 66's meticulous technical team-a luxurious cell so starkly chic that the slightest ambient noise in the Den's intimate studio takes on significance-Cody Proctor and Kristina Valada-Viars tease their roles out with an unhurried deliberation heightening our anticipation of something, anything, to alleviate the paralytic dread born of covert surveillance in our web-happy age."
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...Proctor and Valada-Viars have a bubblingly antagonistic chemistry with each other. In another world (or at least, another genre) you could see these two starring in the world’s grimmest buddy comedy. But there is always a nagging sense that the subtlety of their performances is working against McKinley’s one-dimensional, melodramatic script. Both the characters and the dialogue are rife with clichés, which makes it difficult to see the story as anything other than it is: a clever situation meant to dramatize the debate of “freedom versus security.” Even the mechanics of that plot rely far too much on Oona, the documentarian, withholding massive amounts of information well past the point of believability. As such, The Source is never able to escape the looming shadow of its own source material. It feels less like a standalone story than an intriguing “what if.” Maybe Waiting for Snowden would have been a more accurate title."
ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended
"...Route 66’s production of The Source does, I believe, the most with McKinley’s
“story” as his script allows. Unfortunately, it’s a script that’s in need of dramatic revision. Those who expect at least the bare minimum of entertainment from even the most cerebral of plays will find this production only entertaining in parts. Those interested in getting the run-down of all talking points currently in vogue on national security issues and journalistic ethics will find themselves highly informed. Those looking for a “date night” play—look on. And those desiring some truth of art—search out a different source."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...I have to commend the Route 66 Theatre Company for their very topical selection of this piece to be the very first one at their new home at The Den Theatre located at 1333 N. Milwaukee Avenue, second floor. This facility is becoming a solid home for smaller companies with comfort and easy access. This particular production is far more than a play, but for many might be considered a theatrical experience with political overtones. In light of what we read and hear pretty much every day (along with the "tweeting"), "The Source" can be considered a unique evening of theater."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This thrilling journey is a 90-minute nightmare of what it means to be a journalist today. It’s a play based upon the reality that the media relies a great deal upon secret, often unknown sources, responsible for providing the leaks that are the basis for today’s news. But few of us fully understand and appreciate the inherent danger involved in such a career. We’ve come a long way from the journalism of “The Front Page.” Gabriel McKinley’s excellent new play, now in a magnificently thrilling production by Jason Gerace, is a testimony to the unseen heroes of today’s media wars. In their quest to be the first to break the news, these men and women discover there’s no exit."
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...For 85 minutes, these two superb actors rivet your attention. As the walls close in on them, they close in on us too. Clare Chrzan's lighting design, Mark Comiskey's Projection Design, and Christopher Kriz' sound design are ever-present to help ratchet up the paranoia."
