←Recommendations of Greater Illinois

I had the honor of seeing the world premiere at Theatreworks, from Playhouse on the Square, and was deeply moved by this timely, tense, skillfully told story that cleverly weaves together the "before" and the "now".

One of the best plays I've read in the past few years. Strafford weaves together a complex, engrossing, speculative tale that holds you from start to finish. I can't wait to see this play go places!

Wow. I was absolutely absorbed in this piece from page one. Reading this script in this time, when so many of the events described have either come to pass already or seem imminent and inevitable, filled me with such unease and has served as a timely reminder of all I haven’t done because I wasn’t personally affected in some way. But, at the heart of this piece is the very specific relationships between these characters and how real and complicated they feel. This play needs to be produced literally right now. Highly recommended!

A compelling piece of speculative fiction that thoroughly and sharply explores the socio-cultural and political crossroads we are at now and illuminates the dangers of complacent liberal points of view that take for granted as set in stone rights that are legitimately in flux as we speak. I loved how the dual timelines dovetailed with one another throughout the first act before colliding right before intermission. The characters' varying and complex identities allowed for clear and interesting conversations about the distinct prejudices surrounding race, gender, sexuality, and intersections thereof. I'd love to see this staged!

This play is laugh out loud funny, edge of your seat suspenseful, deeply uncomfortable in its familiarity, and unapologetic in its indictment of oppression and those who uphold and benefit from it. The way Strafford crosses the intersection of race, sexuality, and so much more, all through the lens of Chicago, and while keeping his signature heart and wit, is stunning.

To what lengths will gentrification go? A fascinating look into the political force that turns our lives upside down and forces us to make some decisions in emotional turmoil and a state of survival. Riveting and well done.