Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...The show does accommodate all the multiple decision trees beloved by gamers. In essence, you watch the aforementioned lively Gamemaster (played by David Andrew Greener Laws) and his sidekick, or tavern keeper, Sarah Reynolds. (Reynolds, who sits behind multiple terminals, is the game designer, while the loquacious DAGL is the writer.) These two banter as if you were watching the British quiz show “Pointless,” and then three young, improv-savvy actors (Carlina Parker is Fighter, Jack Corcoran is Mage and Madelyn Murphy is Rogue) play the role of various possible characters (each actor remembers at least three characters with names, identities and behaviors. Understudies’ heads must routinely explode)."
Chicago Sun Times - Not Recommended
"...“The Twenty-Sided Tavern” could work as a brief comedy sketch or an improv class warm-up. Created by David Andrew Greener Laws (who goes by DAGL), Sarah Davis Reynolds (also credited with game design) and Dave Carpenter, “Tavern” cannot sustain a two-hour show."
Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...Although Gamiotics lagged on my phone a few times, The Twenty-Sided Tavern fills a gap in live theater by bringing accessible technology to the stage. As the production changes every night based on audience engagement, it redefines experiential entertainment, reminding us that we write our stories."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...The concept of The Twenty-Sided Tavern was so fun and creative. The vibes were a mixture of celebrating someone’s milestone at a pub meets playing Mad Libs at Medieval Times. The audience had so many chances to participate passively and hands-on, depending on their comfort levels. Every NPC name was chosen by an audience member, and then properly roasted by DAGL. It’s clear that every nook and cranny of this show was created with care and not a single detail went unnoticed. I highly recommend seeing this show while it’s in town. In fact, I’m considering seeing it again myself! The only bit of advice I can give is to charge your phone beforehand and come willing to have a great time."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...They call this a tabletop roleplaying game. If you have played these games you will be into it very quickly. This show is very new to the world and is being accepted everywhere it plays. Why not Chicago? We are savvy people. We have lots of “gamers”. I am sure that my grandsons and their friends would love the opportunity to be a part of this production."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...The Twenty-Sided Tavern is a funny, lively, and very interactive theater experience based on the game Dungeons & Dragons that was first published in 1974 and soared in popularity in the 1980s. And thanks to its devoted following, the fantasy role playing game that takes its players on epic journeys through multiple worlds is still popular today and has countless versions available. In fact, the game has even developed its own culture – thus, the Adventurers. Nerd heaven indeed."
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...In the spirit of Dungeons and Dragons, THE TWENTY-SIDED TAVERN is an interactive role-playing adventure. Created by David Andrew Greener Laws aka DAGL and Sarah Davis Reynolds with David Carpenter, the game is larger than life with oversized dice, a backdrop of projections, a quest master, a bartender and three players.Tonight’s Quest is “The Temple of the Crystal Cauldron”"
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...At heart, Dungeons and Dragons is as much about the people you play with as it is about the game, and building a community of audience and cast for a night is The Twenty-Sided Tavern's true quest. But the cast's improv talent, excitement, and love for D&D are contagious, so it all works. I'll see this show again, but next time I'll leave my phone in my pocket. I don't want to miss a moment of DAGL, Davis, Parker, Corcoran, and Murphy creating a community for a night by sharing the game they love."
Picture This Post - Highly Recommended
"...When you walk into Broadway Playhouse for Twenty-Sided Tavern, the actors are immediately there to greet you. Somewhere between entering the theater and sitting down, an actor will track you down and hand you a pile of small pieces of paper and a pen, asking that you write down a few nouns and adjectives. As you fill these out, you might notice the intricate detail of the bar on stage, along with the screens flashing information about the realm in which this stage story will take place. If your experience is anything like this Opening Night, you will hear the laughter surrounding you, and maybe even see several folks in medieval costumes."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...The show flows beautifully, striking a perfect balance between scripted and improvised portions and between predetermined events and audience decision-making. Said decisions are made via smartphone; audience members are invited at the top of the show to scan a QR code in their program that allows them to vote on choices made throughout the show. Somehow, this doesn’t really slow down the pace of the show, which is a joke-packed, nonstop romp through fantasyland. The seamless incorporation of the gaming aspect is the work of co-creator and game designer Sarah Davis Reynolds, who also helps run the show from onstage."