Los Angeles Times - Somewhat Recommended
"..."Archduke" isn't calibrated carefully enough to cogently dramatize Gavrilo's radicalization. A scene in the second act in which the protagonist's soul is being contested by Apis and Dr. Leko brings in historical material about an earlier coup led by Apis that is more confusing than illuminating. Joseph has flashes of insight into the way these budding insurgents struggle to reject the gentle female voice inside them urging them to enjoy a sandwich and a roll in the hay. But history distracts him from fully imagining their inner lives."
LA Weekly - Somewhat Recommended
"...The production, however, while strong in many places, is weak in others. Under Giovanna Sardelli's direction, Page proves electrifying as a ruthless (and misogynistic) zealot driven by crazed macho fantasies, while Monsef, who looks first to be the Colonel's henchman but turns out to be just another gullible kid, is on point from first to last. Unfortunately, both Bania as the slow-witted Nedeljko and Stocking as the pivotal Gavrilo - a 19-year-old whose quest for meaning in his life ultimately rubs up against his will to survive - deliver serviceable performances only, and the show falls short of what it could be."
Broadway World - Highly Recommended
"...Under Sardelli's impeccable direction, the ensemble of actors are nothing short of astounding. Page gives an awe-inspiring performance as the villainous captain full of hate and rancor but always leaving room for laughter. Stocking, Bania and Monself are thoroughly delightful in their stooge like behavior. Weeks does a fine job with the victimized doctor and McGee-Lamb, unrecognizable as Sladjana, steals her scenes. There's a heart of gold lurking underneath the sweaty, brash and almost misplaced earth mother. A wonderful performance! Tim Mackabee's set design is just right, especially the elegant train interior and Denitsa Bliznakova's costumes are period perfect particularly the outfits for the Duke and Duchess."
LA Splash - Recommended
"...The ARCHDUKE cast does an excellent job of portraying each of the roles and gives the audience frequent opportunities to chuckle. The three lads add just enough clownish slapstick to highlight their total absence of malice, and the manipulative Dimitrijevic projects just enough frustration to make him human. Tim Mackabee's scenic design and Denitsa Bliznakova's costumes capture the period with authenticity. The luxurious train in the second act is a stand-out and deserves special kudos. Lap Chi Chu's lighting is also effective - especially in the final moments of the play. Daniel Kluger's sound and composition offer depth to the production. In fact, the entire production team did outstanding work. ARCHDUKE delves into some little-known facts about a very famous event with panache and humor."
Stage Scene LA - Highly Recommended
"...Leave it to playwright Rajiv Joseph to turn the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand at Sarajevo, the event that led directly to the outbreak of the First World War, into Archduke, not only the year's screwballsiest comedy but one with contemporary relevance in a world of suicide bombers and suicide voters."
Culver City News - Recommended
"...And speaking of unique, it might be difficult to imagine how comical the story could be given its historical significance. But Joseph uses his three country bumpkin assassins to great comedic effect during their first-ever journey by train during which even a simple sandwich or bunk bed made up with soft pillows, cushion and blanket are seen as luxuries fit for a king, causing the men to jump about with the wonder and joy of young children. Tim Mackabee's scenic design allows us to walk with the men through the station and onto the train, which then rotates to allow us to enter the wonders of their cabin with them. It's quite a spectacular scene change that left me breathless in awe. Kudos also go to historically correct costume design by Denitsa Bliznakova, lighting design by Lap Chi Chu, with music and sound design by Daniel Kluger, and especially to director Sardelli who keeps the production moving along at a quick pace."
Haines His Way - Somewhat Recommended
"...Patrick Page as Dimitrijevic is the perfect ringmaster for this circus of clowns, appropriately menacing as well as comically over the top. Joanne McGee as Sladjana gives as good as she gets; she's no mere comic foil, more of a Noel Coward maid rather than an inept dowager. Stephen Stocking makes the most of his few sensitive moments as Gavrilo. Rami Monsef and Josiah Bania play their roles as stooges well. Todd Weeks as Dr. Leko is the straight man of the piece and as such doesn't leave much of an impression. Tim Mackabee's scenic design is a major plus."
Peoples World - Somewhat Recommended
"...Even if somewhat ahistorical, it's not meant to be a documentary. It's funny and engaging, with laughs galore, and a wistful empathy for the severely uneducated. From a purely theatrical point of view, it entertains both mentally and physically."
On Stage Blog - Recommended
"...The comedy is very successful in a production expertly directed by Giovanna Sardelli. The cast of six (completed by Joanne McGee as Sladjana, Dragutin's housekeeper) is spot on, garnering near-constant laughs from the audience. Page, a veteran of the Broadway stage, is fantastic as his larger-than-life character, who comes off a bit like Captain Hook had he casually and frequently talked about disemboweling people. The set (Tim Mackabee) is innovative and stunning and actually prompted a well-deserved round of applause for the reveal of its piece de resistance in act two, the train the assassins take to Sarajevo."
