Chicago Tribune
- Not Recommended
"...This singular joint takes a lot of very laudable risks. And although I mostly don't think it works, Newell's smart, provocative, heavily conceptual and fully committed "Titus" most certainly qualifies as risky. This one will have the denizens of the University of Chicago buzzing. And inclined to stay away from pie."
Chicago Sun Times
- Recommended
"...To his credit, Newell -- a director who is never less than audacious in his approach to the classics -- sustains the hopped-up pacing and jagged, eccentric edges of his distinctive take on Shakespeare's bloodiest and most psychically and physically self-devouring plays. And from time to time, as the story unspools, there are remarkable individual scenes that make perfect sense."
Daily Herald
- Highly Recommended
"...Staged as a play-within-a-play, Newell's adaptation emerges as a nifty bit of meta-theater. Actors slip in and out of character to comment, seemingly spontaneously, on the action. Also some of the actors playing the four sets of brothers appearing in this play alternate roles at each performance. Such a casting stunt matters little to the general audience, but it adds subtext that gives theater geeks a charge."
Chicago Reader
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The conceit doesn't work in any rational sense. But the velocity of Newell's production makes it mesmerizing all the same, and the sense of something awful and unstoppable is greatly intensified by Hollis Resnik, playing against wholesome type."
Windy City Times
- Not Recommended
"...Alas, in his two-hour, intermission-free version of Titus, Court Theatre Artistic Director Charles Newell has superimposed a pandering, self-conscious and self-referential layer of meta-theater on top of the text. The result is a production of pretentiousness and confusion."
Chicago Free Press
- Recommended
"...Brian H. Scott’s piercing lighting design and Leigh Breslau’s depth-defying scenic work are also so intrinsic to the show’s success that they virtually become characters themselves. The detailed work by Breslau and Scott brings celluloid magic to the production, allowing the visceral wonder of this “Titus” to completely come to the fore."
EpochTimes
- Highly Recommended
"...he play deals with rape, murder, revenge and while not as graphic as one might expect, there are scenes that may bring about a little queasiness, so at least be prepared. This is about two hours with no intermission, which is understandable as the story line would be hurt with any type of break in the action. One needs to stay in focus on what is taking place on the marvelous set by Leigh Breslau. The sound by Joshua Horvath and lighting by Brian H. Scott complete the picture framed for us by Mr. Newell and the picture is marvelous!"
Time Out Chicago
- Recommended
"...Newell’s interpretation invites multiple readings, but the central message, that of revenge’s power to corrupt innocence, is chillingly enhanced."
ChicagoCritic
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Director Charles Newell’s decision to play for humor reminded me of a frat party. The transition from the lighthearted tone to serious was abrupt as the piece turned from camp to emotionally wrenching almost instantly. I did find enough riveting action and terrific performances to save the show for me."
