←Recommendations of RADIATOR

Prickly, difficult people are a Craig Houk specialty, so it's no surprise to find in Andre and Lou a couple of unforgettable characters with sharp mouths and edges. What is perhaps surprising is the radiator-like warmth that develops between them, hissing and clanking along the way. Underneath Houk's acid and bite lies a kind, humane heart, and in this exquisitely calibrated two-hander, you'll find it - even if the play itself doesn't want you to get all mushy about it, fer Chrissakes.

[2025-06-22]

Craig Houk has given us a touching and highly theatrical story of two men whose lives intersect briefly but profoundly. I loved the staging, which I could easily picture, but more than that I loved getting to know André and Lou, two remarkable people whose relationship grows in unexpected yet completely natural ways. This was a delight to read and I would love to see it on stage.

I will never cease to be an absolute sucker for stories involving people who get to know one another through incisive, engaging dialogue and situations hewn by the human spirit, however flawed. Craig Houk's "Radiator" rises effortlessly above the fray of banality and cliche like a tortured songbird. Someone once stated that an intelligent heart and a compassionate mind are the gifts that nature bestows upon its artists. Mr. Houk posses these in abundance, and they are well demonstrated in this play.

A beautifully crafted two-hander with powerful characters, each strong willed, but with a sense of vulnerability that comes through despite the gruff language. Craig Houk’s ability to balance tension with humor is on full display here, and I would love to see this acted out. I genuinely like these guys.

I loved intimately witnessing friendship blossom between two very different characters. Seeing them grow to appreciate their differences and acknowledge important commonalities was completely gratifying. There are lessons to be learned here...but they're perfectly subtle. Houk paints amazing possibilities for staging this story. I can see it. And his dialogue lifted the characters right off the page, giving them dimension. I can imagine how fantastic they would be represented on stage. Bravo!

Excellent two-hander from Houk; typically twisted Houkian characters, conflict and tension expertly delivered, and quite a bit of humor keep the steam rising with consistent energy. Great fun and well done.