Ugly Lies The Bone Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...As its daring title might suggest, “Ugly Lies the Bone” is a tough watch. The current production from Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit, which opened Thursday night, is about a severely wounded veteran of the war in Afghanistan and her attempts at rehabilitation and to return to, for want of a better word, normalcy."

Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Somewhat Recommended

"...Ugly Lies the Bone, a play by Lindsey Ferrentino, explores the journey of Jess, a veteran who sustained severe burns during her tours in Afghanistan. When she returns home, she has to tussle with the weight of her trauma while confronting her past. Jess commits to several sessions of virtual reality (VR) therapy designed for pain management. A voice from a distant upper room, speaking to Jess via a microphone in a soft, soothing tone, offers her guidance as she navigates her new virtual reality experience, hoping that this fictional reality will provide her with a temporary sanctuary that would allow her to escape her current life of discomfort, while transforming her into a person who could deal with her mental and emotional scars and rebuild her life and her relationships."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Jess ( a powerful performance by Christina Gorman) has returned from three tours of duty. Of course her life has changed and what she returns to is not what she left behind. Her sister,Kacie (deftly handled by Cyd Blakewell) tries to make things easier during this transition back to life as it was, but anyone who has experienced war and battle scars know that this is impossible. While Jess is going through therapy, using virtual reality ( the voice is handled to perfection by Barbara Figgins, who also plays their Mother in the final scenes) Jess still has problems facing true reality."

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...Jess is an American Hero. She served three tours in Afghanistan as a brave, dependable soldier in combat. But now she has returned to her small hometown in Florida, after enduring an explosion that resulted in severe burns all over her body, as well as suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Learning to cope with the many new changes in her life is far more difficult than can be possibly be imagined. Not only does Jess have to endure unbearable pain, as well as all the differences that have occurred in body and personality, but there are transformations that have taken place at home. This includes the people who used to be a part of her world."

MaraTapp.org - Highly Recommended

"...Among the many dramatic explorations of the experiences of veterans, Ugly Lies the Bone explores new and welcome territory. In just under 90 minutes, it goes beyond the expected traumas of war to reveal the effects of chronic emotional and physical pain on the veteran victims, as well as those who love and care for them with thoughtful intelligence and piecing humor."