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Press for A Red Orchid Theatre

“For evidence of why Chicago theater is the talk of the town both here and in that Tony Awards territory to the east of us, head over to A Red Orchid Theatre in Old Town…” -The Chicago Sun-Times

"There are other ferociaously loyal ensembles in town, but only A Red Orchid has the ability to rip open the emotional jugular at point-blank range." -Chicago Magazine

“The kind of punch to the brain - and the funny bone – that defines the best of Chicago’s mighty store front theater scene.” Chicago Theatre Examiner

“Giving work to some of Chicago's up-and-coming directors, [A Red Orchid] is equally actor-oriented; the strength of its shows is often the pile-driving ensemble.” -Chicago Metromix

“A Red Orchid Theatre habitually offers authoritative acting and ingenious set design in the service of socially engaged plays…” The Chicago Reader

Press for Season 26

SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS, By Bess Wohl
Directed by Ensemble Member Shade Murray

“Red Orchid Theatre’s 26th season opens with this Chicago premiere of Bess Wohl’s brilliant, thought-provoking new play. The drama, which is liberally laced with many moments of comedy, is presented with intelligence, grace and dignity, thanks to the fine direction of Shade Murray.” - Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review

"Work like ‘Small Mouth Sounds’ offers us empathy and renewal; faith and community and the desire to protect them; a deeper awareness of the problems of the world, and perhaps some of the tools to address them." - Erin Shea Brady, New City Stage

“For those who have grown accustomed to an extraordinary standard of work from A Red Orchid, this play's excellence is no surprise. The acting is exemplary from top to bottom...” - Max Maller, Chicago Reader

FULFILLMENT CENTER, By Abe Koogler
Directed by Ensemble Member Jess McLeod

“Jess McLeod's taut, volatile production for A Red Orchid Theatre features some truly excellent beat-by-beat scene work by a cast adept at humanizing some incredibly flawed human beings.” - Dan Jakes, Chicago Reader

“Thoughtfully directed by Jess McLeod, A Red Orchid's Chicago premiere prioritizes human lives over sweeping declarations and simply put, that's refreshing.” - Lauren Emily Whalen, Windy City Times

KILLING GAME, By Eugene Ionesco
Directed by Ensemble Member Dado

“Any Red Orchid fan already knows to expect the unexpected from this gifted theatre troupe. This is a company known for its daring and dynamic productions, and in this Dado doesn’t disappoint.” - Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review

“It's thoughtful, immensely theatrical and an ambitious choice for A Red Orchid." - Jonathan Abarbanel, Windy City Times

“Killing Game's success hinges on several aspects: the text's immediate relevancy, an iron-clad committed ensemble, and dramaturgically driven artistic choices. I've never been so impressed in feeling the impact of decisions created to ensure the truest emulation of Ionesco's intentions while still making it accessible to an audience.” - Chicago Theatre Triathlon