Theophilus North Reviews

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Alexander Gelman's Organic Theater production is just as clever, using very few props to conjure a great many things. His young actors are personable, too. But they can't always manage the range of ages and types they're expected to embody, and that flattens things out a bit. Some of Wilder's depth is lost. Still, what's left is often charming."

ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended

"...There is a cuteness in this show and Bryan Wakefield has his sweet moments but I was distracted by his flubbing so many lines that it was embarrassing. I also found the pacing uneven as it dragged in places. Many in the cast were much too young to be credible playing older characters.  The whole show played as under rehearsed as many scenes were played with an awkward flubbing of lines and hesitation. Perhaps once the nervous cast settles in, the play will have the attended effect – charm, whimsy and sweetness.  One can hope."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...Much of this inspired talespinning inevitably recalls the downhome decency of “Our Town,” even if Newport bears no resemblance to Grover’s Corners or, for that matter, the turn-of-the-century Yonkers of “The Matchmaker.”  Some may find it too breezy a cavalcade to settle down into solidity.  But at its best Theophilus’ breathless narration of his summer with the swells conjures up the dizzy delight of debuting to the entire world all at once."

Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended

"...Despite a degree of missed depth in age-blind casting, Wilder and Burnett’s story gets told most refreshingly. Melanie Parks’ costumes truly exhibit spring of 1926. They help differentiate the classes of characters very well, and the white/beige color scheme fits the era and the light nostalgia of the story exquisitely. This lovely Organic production merits an outing, especially for Wilder fans, to see this scarce-produced dramatization about discovering the world and adventure in the places and people around you."