“ In "Travels with Charley," John Steinbeck wrote, "I wonder why we think the emotions of animals are simple." Greg Burdick takes that idea and runs wild -- literally -- with it, doing what we humans have done since the first gray wolf wandered into a campfire of humans and sold their souls to us. Anyone who has ever had a fur-bearing companion will see the truth here, played out beyond measure in hilarity. Even more, he makes a solid and devastating statement about our own human frailties in ways even a peacock could understand. ”

“ These two damaged souls -- for that is what they truly are -- are not so different than their exteriors and their pasts would have us believe. In this riveting two-hander, DC Cathro gives us a setting and situation that counts on the audience holding certain fixed beliefs about the characters, and then reveals their truths. They each find something in themselves and make a connection. The most impressive element is that there is such a powerful moment told in the most honest and brutal -- in a good way -- moments. ”

“ Over a hundred years ago, the first robots appeared on stage, determined to take over the world. Lots of science fiction has imagined that outcome, but (fingers crossed) it hasn't happened. It's not just the monumental task of surpassing the human brain. It's more to do with the one thing a robot cannot do: feel and anticipate the needs of the human sitting next to it. The bad connection that Monica Cross so convincingly shows us isn't a software glitch. It is the simple inability to touch beyond the physical and it is that barrier that keeps us human. ”

“ You've heard of organized crime. Heck, they even made a spin-off of the "Law & Order" franchise for it and brought back Det. Stabler. Well, this could be the next one: "Law & Order: STU - Stupid Thieves Unit." This pair makes the Three Stooges look like a Mensa meeting at the home of Laurel & Hardy. No diamonds were harmed in the making of this play, but you may laugh too loud at work (like I did) when you read it. ”