“ Powerful and also subtle. Deeply moving and full of dangers and yet somehow also sweet and funny. In THE OKTAVIST, Gatton masterfully weaves many threads together to satisfying, compelling effect. Deserving of many productions. Bravo! ”

“ There's a wonderful innocence to Dimitri that is quite enjoyable. At the same time, given Russia's anti-LGBT-"propaganda" policy, the time distancing serves to remind us the stark cruelty of ignorance. Dimitri has not the ability to conceptualize his true feelings because his society hides that beauty from him. Hopefully we Americans, distanced further by the setting, be able to see the cruelty of our own budding laws. The devastation of religious homophobia. I've had many conversations a la the holiness of beauty, art, and queer love with religious folks. There's a deep, deep sadness to this show. Well done. ”

“ My heart breaks for lovable dork, Dmitri who does not yet understand the harmony he longs for. This is a good period piece for two actors who can play off of each other well. Props to Gatton! ”

“ The Oktavist is winning all the awards and rightly so. A masterclass in subtext, humor, humanity, and deeply relatable characters and situations even though it takes place long ago and far away. Playwright Vince Gatton has crafted a gorgeous ten-minute play that should be read, savored, and produced everywhere. ”