Fabulation at Noyes Cultural Arts Center

Chicago Tribune - Not Recommended

"..."Fabulation," Lynn Nottage's cautionary, comedic tale of how social climbers are merely one misstep away from a forced revisiting of their roots, opened in New York in 2004 to enthusiastic reviews. But despite the presence of the redoubtable Jacqueline Williams in the role originated by Charlayne Woodward, the appeal of this difficult play is largely absent in Next Theatre's disappointing Chicago area premiere."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...Superb earlier this season as the wife in Court Theatre's revival of "Fences," Williams moves through the hugely demanding role of Undine with unflagging energy and a mix of crass disdain, disbelief and righteous indignation. She is funny, over the top and believable, but just a little short of vulnerable, though that may come as she relaxes into the role."

Pioneer Press - Recommended

"...At some of its sillier moments, "Fabulation" seems a bit too much like a sitcom or a "Saturday Night Live" sketch, but we should probably be grateful that Nottage leans toward lightheartedness instead of unleashing her play's potential for dark melodrama or heavy-handed social commentary. It's not as accomplished a play as Nottage's "Intimate Apparel," which the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago produced last year, but it is a highly satisfying entertainment."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Next Theatre's production, directed by Jason Loewith, exposes the plot holes in Nottage's satire and forces the farce with overly broad acting--as Undine, Jacqueline Williams tones down the histrionics only when she has someone subtly funny to play against, like Dale Rivera as her charming louse of a husband. Yet the production also reveals the playwright's earnest heart and feeling for character, giving us insight into different culture clashes as well as several sharply funny lines."

Windy City Times - Recommended

"...But even though the play is smarter than we suspect, a protean seven-member ensemble scampering through 35 roles to spur Jacqueline Williams’s Everywoman on her odyssey deliver enough sprightly humor and engaging charm to send us home as satisfied as if we hadn’t learned a thing."

Time Out Chicago - Not Recommended

"...Director Loewith and cast try as hard as Nottage does, which is too hard: The eager-to-please ensemble, including the always-watchable but somehow out-of-place Williams as Undine, ends up more tiring than amusing."

ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended

"...Jacqueline Williams, Allen Gilmore and Dale Rivera are wasted in this play. Act one and Williams’ terrific work makes this show partially interesting. Too bad Nottage shifted from the promising satirical comedy of act one."