The Sparrow Reviews

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...Words are really beside the point in "The Sparrow," the new show created and performed by the House Theatre. Dance is the true medium and message in this coming-of-age tale, which homes in on American small-town life and infuses it with a spark of the supernatural, a grounding of grief and a streak of the transgressive."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Somehow the writers, director Allen, and an enthusiastic ensemble make it work and even seem fresh. Carolyn Defrin as the droopy Emily is the epitome of adolescence at its worst. And the House Theatre of Chicago production contains plenty of the company's trademark physicalized scenes, including a marvelous five-minute sequence that spells out all the relationships at Emily's school."

Windy City Times - Highly Recommended

"...what sets The Sparrow apart from previous efforts by this undeniably talented ensemble is the depth of its intellectual dimensions, expressed in multifaceted characters of classical complexity."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...For a play that illuminates the perils of high school popularity, The Sparrow is certainly eager to please. This story of a small Midwestern hamlet haunted by the loss of an entire class (they were killed when a train hit their school bus) and the dark telekinetic teenage girl who caused it (lovely, lanky Defrin) is probably the House’s most aesthetically satisfying show to date."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...The Sparrow is a refreshingly strong story told with terrific production values that blends humor, music, drama and telekinetic powers into a thrillingly clever theatre piece. Kudos to The House Theatre of Chicago as they continue to expand their theatrical craftsmanship. Their ensemble gives new meaning to daring collaborative efforts. The Sparrow soars!"