Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...My two favorite Wilson plays are "King Hedley II" and "Two Trains," although the two pieces actually are studies in Wilsonian contrasts. "Hedley" was Wilson wanting to try on the tools of Greek tragedy; "Two Trains," for all the pain therein, is his most amusing, romantic and optimistic play, arguing above all else for the rewards of Black persistence, resilience and determination. Even if death intervenes."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...That said, I'm finding more and more to treasure in this play as it ages, and with age I bring a different perspective to it.It's a hallmark of rich art that you can re-visit and appreciate it anew, and for different reasons.The bigger picture quality of this play really comes through more for me than it ever has."There are always and only two trains running," wrote Wilson of the play."There is life and there is death.Each of use rides them both.""
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...But nothing can undermine the ensemble's superb work under Ron OJ Parson's sensitive direction. A.C. Smith and Alfred H. Wilson, two of Chicago's foremost interpreters of the playwright's work, handle the famously iterative dialogue with their trademark fluency. They are first among equals in a cast which wears its awesome skill lightly. But special laurels for Joseph Primes, who manages to make two lines of dialogue endlessly repeated into an entire life story."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...Winner of the 2022 Regional Theatre Tony Award for shepherding spectacular performances to its theatrical platform, Court Theatre is a winner again, bringing famous American playwright August Wilson's play Two Trains Running to its stage. This is Wilson's sixth in his ten-part series, The Pittsburgh Cycle, which embodies psychological trauma and changing perspectives regarding race through the eyes of African-American characters. Permeating with intensity and a spirit of love, joy, and humor, this play set in the Hill District of Pittsburg probes the perspectival plight of African-Americans, and Wilson's timeless and poignant message is still relevant today."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...It is thought-provoking, poignant and yet laugh-out-loud funny.
The Yale Repertory Theatre, New Haven, Connecticut, had the first production of Two Trains Running in 1990, which went on to premiere on Broadway in 1992. It won the 1991 American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award, the 1992 Tony Award, Best Featured Actor in a Play, the 1992 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play and the 2007 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Revival. The first Chicago production was at the Goodman Theatre in 1992, followed by a revival in 2015.
August Wilson wrote about what he knew best, the trials facing African American men. If I were to offer a criticism, it would be about the paucity of women's parts in his plays. Women are on the sidelines, usually cooking and/or cleaning."
WTTW - Highly Recommended
"..."Two Trains Running" is one of the finest plays in August Wilson's renowned 10-play "Century Cycle" that captures elements of Black life in each decade of the 20th century. And Court Theatre's latest revival of this seminal work - the ninth production of a Wilson play to be directed on its stage by Ron OJ Parson, and brought to vivid life by a cast including many of Chicago's finest and most enduring actors - is not to be missed."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"..."Two Trains Running" takes place during the turbulent 60's. 1969 to be exact. A time when for every action there is an equal and opposite action. Think Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King. Think LBJ's war on poverty and Black neighborhoods being burned to the ground. The 1960's was a time when there were always two distinct trains of thought running at the same time. Wilson made the best of these times without making a boring historical drama. Let's face it, Black folks had a hard time in the 60's."
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...It's no surprise that August Wilson, that master of everyday detail, takes the second approach in his examination of the tumult of the '60s, Two Trains Running, now playing at the Court Theatre. This production marks the ninth time Court Theatre and resident artist and director Ron OJ Parson have brought one of Wilson's iconic Pittsburgh cycle plays to Chicago-a clear example of the quality of work that earned Court its just-announced 2022 Regional Tony Award."
Splash Magazine - Somewhat Recommended
"...I have been a fan of August Wilson for many years and was excited to be able to review this critically acclaimed production. I have to admit; this is one of my lesser favorites. Although there were funny moments, I found myself cringing through most of the dialogue. Perhaps it has to do with the racial climate we are currently facing. I also found the exchange wordy, and I drifted off for most of the first act. But theatre is subjective. If you are an August Wilson fan, I'm sure you would probably enjoy the show."