Titus Andronicus Reviews
Chicago Reader- Somewhat Recommended
"...Instead, despite some moody and smart scenic design by Carolyn Voss, Janice L. Blixt's foggy and underwhelming staging feels like a milquetoast retread. Aaron the Moor, arguably the Bard's cruelest anarchist, delivers her speeches with the politeness and engagement of a sales pitch, while Saturninus sneers, spits, and screams her dialogue as much as possible, inadvertently tipping the show into comedy."
Windy City Times- Highly Recommended
"...Such extravagance risks spinning out of control, but the professional polish Blixt's guidance brings to this unigender production ( the pronouns are feminized, and the wardrobe given a futuristic Eastern Europe flavor, but otherwise the text remains intact ) includes phrasing and enunciation executed with a deft alacrity rendering the progress of the doomed Andronicii coherent for every moment of the fast-paced two and a half hours it takes for all characters to get their just deserts. You may see loftier interpretations of this horror-movie family drama, but never one as immediately accessible."
Chicago Stage and Screen- Recommended
"...I commend Babes with Blades for tackling one of Shakespeare's most difficult and bloody plays with such enthusiasm and humor. While they have made several minor changes to the story, they did a good job of interpreting the original text. If you have never seen this lesser known entry in the canon, this is a good introduction."
Around The Town Chicago- Recommended
"...Under the direction of Janice L. Blixt, a veteran of Shakespearean theatre, Amy E. Harmon, Megan Schemmel, and Diana Cotes give fascinating performances as Titus, Satirninus, and Aaron the Moore respectively, anchoring the play and preventing it from remaining a mere blood bath (although it certainly is that). It is a particular delight to listen to Ms. Cotes deliver the Shakespearean dialogue."
NewCity Chicago- Highly Recommended
"...Directed by Michigan Shakespeare Festival artistic director Janice L. Blixt, this production is equal parts campy, sadistic, heartfelt and, most of all, fun. A few actresses play multiple roles, which in "Titus Andronicus" also means dying multiple deaths. By the middle of the second act, when their throats are slit and you see them staring forlornly out past the audience, you can almost detect a look of "Oh, not this again." Libby Beyreis is the violence designer."