Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...In this rendition, an artful and highly choreographed battle between the Romans and Goths kicks off the story, which leads victorious Titus (Colin Jones) back to Rome and the emergence of Saturninus's (Christopher Wayland Jones) rules. The rest of the juicy plot follows an ever-growing cycle of vengeance verging on Grand Guignol."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Somewhat Recommended
"...Titus Andronicus was a little too long (three hours), and it dragged in some parts. Nonetheless, some of the performances were good, and we didn't get any blood on us."
Around The Town Chicago - Not Recommended
"...Bizarre, gross, and disappointing, Haven's production of "Titus Andronicus" doesn't know what it wants to be. The mishmash of characters, acting styles, costumes, and the rest make for a very uneven and unsatisfying performance."
Third Coast Review - Recommended
"...The play is vividly directed by Martin and choreographed by Leon Evans, the movement designer. Jones is powerful and dignified as Titus and so is Gregory D. Hicks as his son Lucius, who becomes emperor at the end. Bradshaw maintains her grace as the tortured Lavinia. Petro as Tamora is fierce and an audience favorite. (Petro is certified in self-defense and rape prevention and makes use of those skills here.) I liked Martin's casting choices. Bassianus is played by a woman and so are Tamora's son Chiron and Titus' brother/sister, Marcus (Gabrielle Lott-Rogers)-she's referred to here as Aunt Marcus instead of Uncle Marcus as in the original. The Clown (Andre McGraw) plays a key role late in the play."
Chicago On Stage - Somewhat Recommended
"...This ambitious but uneven Titus stands out for its nontraditional casting and its fight design (R&D Choreography) and handles its gruesome elements well. I can't help wishing, though, that Martin had edited it a lot more. This is not one of Shakespeare's greatest artistic achievements. His poetry (which in this early play was co-written with George Peele) does not stand up to his later works (or the contemporaneous Richard III). Without trimming, it makes for a very long evening."
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...This show is recommended to lovers and non-lovers of the Bard alike. For lovers of the Swan of Avon, enjoy one of his lesser-staged works presented thoughtfully, passionately, and at times, delightfully facetiously. For non-lovers, enjoy a Quentin Tarantino-esque story juxtaposed with some epic poetry. In addition, if you hate Romeo and Juliet's mushy love story, but think you'd enjoy the harrowing experience of seeing someone stabbed in the just eye mere feet away from you, Titus Andronicus may be the Shakespeare play for which you've been waiting."
NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...Despite the play being overly dramatic and the production overacted, this "Titus" does feature some genuine moments that bridge the gap from Shakespeare's "English" to our modern sentiments, namely the moments between Titus's daughter Lavinia (Tarina Bradshaw) and Titus' sister Marcus (Gabrielle Lott-Rogers). These two share a natural, familial connection with one another. Moments that are easily overlooked on the page are endowed with a human spirit because these two inhabit their roles so well. If this play's democracy were real, Lott-Rogers is the one I would vote for. She is the adult we need in office."
