When the Rain Stops Falling Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended

"...Bovell's profoundly intelligent and chronologically scrambled drama starts in a crisis-filled 2039 in remote Alice Springs, Australia and then ricochets across time and place, charting the travails of several generations of two troubled families. But although it takes a while to dig them out, its roots are in London during what you might call the early "Mad Men" era."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...This strong production is a reminder that Circle Theatre - a company known primarily for its musical productions, for which it received 10 non-Equity Jeff Award nominations this year - can also thrive on serious drama."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Images and phrases recur, taking on new shades of meaning with each repetition, as in a villanelle. Inasmuch as Circle Theatre usually sticks to crowd-pleasing musicals and comedies, John Gawlik's sensitive and layered staging comes as a welcome surprise. Likewise, the cast turn in performances distinguished by their depth and quiet honesty."

Windy City Times - Highly Recommended

"...Kudos to Circle Theatre for presenting a new (2008) Australian play, a bastion of English-speaking theater all but ignored by Chicago (and American) directors. This award-winning play by Andrew Bovell also is a highly literate piece of work, the type of play I'd expect to see at Writers' Theatre, City Lit or Eclipse Theatre. Although facing financial challenges, Circle Theatre has eschewed the appeal of a popular musical or comedy and stepped up to the plate of art with an unknown and risky work, although one that is more than worthy."

Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...The story focuses on the two women in Gabriel Law's (Luke Daigle) life, depicting his mother, Elizabeth (Katherine Keberlein and Mary Redmon), and his lover Gabrielle (Catherine Price-Griffin and Anita Hoffman) at different ages. All four women are exceptional, and Keberlein reaches the emotional high point of the production with her devastating breakdown late in the play. There's a sense of comfort and familiarity among the cast even though most of the characters never interact with each other. When they sit together at the table, their relationships transcend time and space, and they become a family united."