Treefall presented by Exit 63 Productions at Trap Door Theatre

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...There's an almost complete disconnect between how this play looks and how it sounds-director Connor Baty's evocative set and David Goodman-Edberg's lighting design are responsible for virtually all the dramatic resonance there is here. I spent three-quarters of the running time picturing what this play might have been rather than what it was."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended

"...There is a lot to recommend in Exit 63 Theatre’s Treefall, but ultimately the slow transitions, the inconsistent responses to the perils of the decimated world outside, and the too-consistent darkness of the vision of this production make for a dreary 90 minutes. The need for a family is clearly articulated, but the characters seem to have given up on finding one too early, and the hopes for making meaningful connections are too tenuous. Despite this, director Connor Baty and his cast and designers have created an immersive apocalyptic vision and do not shy away from the brutalities it engenders. Though unpolished, the talents of the ensemble are evident in the company’s second outing."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...The decision to stage Henry Murray's excellent comic-drama was a good one. It's particularly well-timed, considering the ecological state of our world and the lack of concern by this country's greedy leaders. Connor Baty's show is trim, taut and tense, allowing his fine cast to bring a richness and believability to each of their characters. The intimate production is well-supported by Baty's fine technical staff and brings Murray's story directly into the audience's lap. The unflinching presentation also serves as a coming attraction, an enticement for Chicago audiences to watch this theatre company for more fine productions in the near future."

The Hawk Chicago - Recommended

"...The narrative is executed well on many levels, but the linchpin is the stage design by Bill Gordon and Jeff Simpson. As soon as you enter the black box, the grime and decay of the stage overwhelms. It sets a scene of desperation which accentuates the dire tone of the story. It is some of the best I have seen this year. The setting creates a solid dramatic foundation which is expertly utilized by the cast. Each character manages to capture the emotional complexity of each prepubescent kid: clumsy sexual tension, confusion, and frustration all percolate their interactions which keeps the dialogue darkly interesting."

Chicago On Stage - Recommended

"...It’s surprising that more playwrights don’t try to tackle Climate Change. It’s one of the most pressing issues of our era, but few plays try to deal with it. Maybe it is too real, too possible, to be entertaining, but it seems ready for exploration, and there are undoubtedly many ways of tackling it using the imagination of the theatre. Treefall makes a great place to start, and Exit 63 makes a good argument that more playwrights should try to deal with the impending catastrophe we are creating in our world."

Picture This Post - Highly Recommended

"...Adults screw up; children pay the price. That’s the premise of the late Henry Murray’s 2009 environmentalist dystopian drama Treefall. Now in its Chicago premiere by Exit 63 Theatre company, Treefall explores the relationships between a small, isolated group of teenaged boys trying to build a meaningful existence in a doomed world. Well-acted and richly designed, it’s a coup for the young company and somehow manages to make a glimmer of hope appear amid a disturbing tragedy."