Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...While this is a fine production of an early work by a celebrated playwright, I was hoping for further exploration of the role of art under oppressive systems, given the musical reference in the title and the fact that the play was inspired by a revolutionary writer. Instead, “Two Sisters and a Piano” focuses on a problematic romantic relationship, one that left a bitter taste for me."
Chicago Sun Times
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Set in 1991 Havana, as the Soviet Union was dissolving, the play is laced with the types of purposeful, even disorienting contradictions that define living in a totalitarian state. The best example of that? The two sisters of the title live in their spacious and lovingly detailed family home — Cruz even wrote a note to designers to make sure it feels open as opposed to claustrophobic — which we quickly discover is also their literal prison."
Daily Herald
- Recommended
"...In Writers’ revival, ably staged by Lisa Portes, dancing becomes an expression of unbridled joy for these young women. It’s the closest they will come to freedom — the desire for which is echoed in the vast cerulean ocean backdrop designed by Brian Sidney Bembridge. It’s also a touching reflection of how art can serve as a lifeline for the persecuted, one of several themes Cruz’s play addresses."
Chicago Reader
- Recommended
"...In Two Sisters, Maria Celia (Andrea San Miguel), a writer, cuts a deal with Lieutenant Portuondo (Adam Poss), the soldier charged with checking in on the captive women. If he will read the confiscated letters from her emigre husband (which she thinks may contain clues as to what he’s doing to help her escape from Cuba), she will share parts of the story she’s currently writing."
Stage and Cinema
- Recommended
"...Two Sisters is beautifully directed by Lisa Portes and benefits immensely from its talented cast. Andrea San Miguel and Neysha Mendoza-Castro are wonderful as siblings, and the loveliest scene in the play involves the two of them dancing together. Adam Poss—in a bit of a stock character—as the lieutenant is suitably charming and passionate, and his chemistry with San Miguel is off the charts. Good thing, too, because it allows us to elide the moral queasiness of the entire romance—does Maria Celia even have the option to say no to him?—at least until Sofia blows the entire thing up."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Leave it to Writers Theatre to bring a work like "Two Sisters and a Piano" to their stage. Written by Nilo Cruz ( who many will recall as the playwright who brought us "Anna and the Tropics"), brings Cuba a little closer to us as he takes us back to 1991, when the Russians left Cuba. Cuba, having lost its power broker, now has to take matters into its own hands. Author, Maria Celia ( a wonderful performance by Andrea San Miguel) and her sister, Sofia ( deftly handled by Neysha Mendoza Castro) are under "house Arrest"."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Recommended
"...Despite the great performances given by four terrifically talented actors, all guided by a gifted guest director, TWO SISTERS AND A PIANO may leave some theatergoers wanting more. The political themes in this play, while torn from the headlines, feel less illuminating nowadays than prosaic. Perhaps audiences are simply becoming desensitized to the brand of politics featured in this drama.When the play was first performed in 1998, the political oppression these sisters faced was considered savage and shocking; in today’s world it is, unfortunately, not that unusual anymore. Although it may leave audiences hungry for deeper, Writers Theatre presents a thought-provoking production that’s made even richer by its exquisite staging and fine performances.'
Buzz Center Stage
- Somewhat Recommended
"...In “Two Sisters and a Piano” written by Nilo Cruz and directed by Lisa Portes, we soon learn these two women have been trapped for years under house arrest in an aging manor in Cuba. One is a writer, the other a musician —and that’s her baby grand piano on stage. Maria, the writer (Andrea San Miguel in a darkly rich performance), awaits news of her husband who escaped to freedom in Sweden five years before, yet his letters never arrive. The musician, Sofia (Neysha Mendoza Castro is a delight) is a free spirit, chafing under the constraints of always being at home."
Evanston Roundtable
- Highly Recommended
"...Two Sisters and a Piano, now playing at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, is about two sisters and a piano. And so much more. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz, the play takes place in 1990s Cuba, after the departure of the Russians and during the Pan-American Games."
NewCity Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Once the ball gets rolling, “Two Sisters and a Piano” is an irresistible force. The play does what historical fiction does best: it informs one about an important era in history from the perspective of the people who lived it. A high-stakes political thriller laden with romantic suspense, “Two Sisters and a Piano” hits the right notes."
