Voice Of Good Hope at City Lit Theater

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...The opening monologue in “Voice of Good Hope” comes from Jordan’s July 25, 1974, speech on the impeachment proceedings of Richard M. Nixon. Thatcher doesn’t waste exposition explaining when or where we are; she allows Jordan’s own words to do that. Those words, delivered with ardent eloquence by Andrea Conway-Diaz, don’t sound almost 50 years old. In director Terry McCabe’s staging for City Lit Theater, they sound like now."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Andrea Conway-Diaz plays a spirited and headstrong Jordan; moments where she struggles to overcome illness (Jordan had multiple sclerosis for decades) are particularly touching. A rollicking scene with Paul Chakrin as a charming Robert Strauss (a fellow Texan and chair of the Democratic National Committee) illustrates the jockeying leading to one of the most controversial and defining moments of Jordan's career, exploring the moral muck Black politicians must navigate when attempting to create change from within the depths of the political machine. Jordan's worldview may leave the audience wistful for a time when more politicians tried to strictly let reason rule above emotion, yet even sage Jordan, left with her regrets, muses: "Where do you put your anger?""

Around The Town Chicago - Recommended

"...Andrea Conway-Diaz transforms herself into former Congresswoman Barbara Jordan right before our eyes in Kristine Thatcher’s poignant bio-drama “Voice of Good Hope.” This memorable performance must be seen, if only to witness just how well Conway-Diaz captures Jordan’s voice, demeanor, subtleties of body language, and increasing disability."

Picture This Post - Recommended

"...Those born long after Jordan’s time will likely need to come armed with a deep interest and appreciation for history, that will let you better appreciate the meat of Thatcher’s script. If you too were alive in Jordan’s time, and cherish memories of her towering stature, even from wheelchair height, just come knowing this play is anything but an entertaining escape from today’s headlines."

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...The audience will find some knowledge of the career of Barbara Jordan helpful in connecting to "Voice of Good Hope." But until this country's education system begins to spend the imperative time and energy on the history of all Americans, we must beg our education where we may."