Los Angeles Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...Matthew McCray, a hearing director and the veteran of dozens of professional productions, helms the hugely ambitious proceedings, but despite the fact that the play has been pared down from a cast of nearly 30 to an even dozen or so, the sheer scope of this undertaking sometimes exceeds McCray's usually authoritative grasp."
LA Weekly - Recommended
"...Directed by Matthew McCray, Deaf West Theatre's signed and spoken production of David Rogers' stage adaptation is a mixed bag, its awkward staging offset by Daniel N. Durant's charismatic lead performance as Charlie, along with the capable work of several other performers. Though never quite persuasive as a towering intellect, Durant's overwhelming likability in every scene compels attention."
Talkin Broadway - Somewhat Recommended
"...The marriage of Flowers for Algernon with issues related to deafness is such an obvious one, it is frustrating that the production does not quite pull it off. In previous Deaf West productions, the pairing of signing actors with speaking actors (to achieve full portrayal of each character for the entire audience) has been creative or, at the very least, logical. Here, while the pairings may make sense in the abstract, they are executed confusingly."
Broadway World - Recommended
"...It is easy to equate this play with Romeo and Juliet in that if you read the book or saw the 1968 movie "Charly" for which Cliff Robertson won the Academy Award as Best Actor playing the title role, you know the sad ending is inevitable. But when you see it done brilliantly, it lifts the sadness and replaces it with wonder and awe at the actors' skill in baring their souls and allowing their emotions to flow freely, taking us for a memorable ride with them."
Stage and Cinema - Somewhat Recommended
"...In its current incarnation as a Deaf West Theatre production, the story retains its poignancy, but loses some of its emotional punch to cluttered and sometimes muddled staging that distracts from the heartbreaking narrative."
LA Splash - Recommended
"...While it's long (3 hours), the play is well worth the time if only for the interesting way it is presented. On a scale of 1-10, I would give the play a 9.5."
ArtsInLA - Somewhat Recommended
"...Director Matthew McCray and his cast of 12 offer a production that unfortunately lags in momentum due in part to the very convention Deaf West theater company normally puts to such good use. The synchronization and the clarification of signed and voiced characters, as well as an incredibly complicated series of technical effects, occasionally obstructed more than facilitated throughout the show's nearly three-hour (with-intermission) running time."
Neon Tommy - Recommended
"...Good theatre is rare to find, and exceptional theatre is even rarer. While the show's darker moments are emotionally difficult to watch, it is theatre at it's finest. It was stunning and heart-wrenching and beautiful. Like a maze, "Flowers for Algernon" is full of challenges and struggles. Deaf West Theatre's production is worth the journey."
Working Authur - Recommended
"...A weak and unfocused objective in the writing results in a character that seemingly is devoid of commitment. This is a flaw in any dramatic framework. Regrettably, in this particular play, that fault is amplified due to the fact that the character of Alice provides the emotional core for both the audience and Charlie."
LifeInLA - Recommended
"...Incorporating many of the subtle nuances from Keyes' original story as well as making current his original narrative, Deaf West's rendition of Flowers for Algernon brings Charlie's story to life with talent and great passion."
The Los Angeles Post - Recommended
"...I couldn't believe how fluid the staging was. There were several things going on at once, some actors were using sign language and speaking while some were acting and speaking. I just can't describe what was happening on stage to give it the justice it deserves. Yes, sometimes I am at a loss for words. All I know is it was quite a directional challenge; one McCray definitely pulled off with grace. All the acting was outstanding."
Los Angeles Im Yours - Recommended
"...Deaf West Theatre is a purveyor of great theatre. Too much of the field is confined to a naturalistic imitation of life without fully exploring the possibilities of the medium and the bilingualism of the production throws as much into stark relief. But really-and quite simply-go see some young, talented actors before they are too big for 99-seat theatre."
L&L Magazine - Somewhat Recommended
"...At some time during DWT's lengthy, rather tiresome Algernon it finally dawned upon your benighted reviewer that he should just forget about Charly. So - to paraphrase Dr. Strangelove - I learned to stop worrying and if not love, simply accept this ASL-signed/spoken word production on its own convoluted terms. Keyes' story has a great premise with a sci fi twist."
