Los Angeles Times - Recommended
"...In a culminating scene, the entire ensemble drops dead, one by one, of a mysterious plague - humorously exaggerated deaths that elicit raucous laughter. That juxtaposition of the comical and the catastrophic is Ionesco's gift, prettily packaged here in Ricin-laced wrappings."
LA Weekly - Recommended
"...Songs, mime, slapstick mayhem and mirthful wordplay are packaged in a string of vignettes, hosted by a comic/mime designated as the Writer (Alan Abelew). There is even a very bald soprano. David Potts' cartoonish scenic design provides the appropriate backdrop for this plunge down the theatrical rabbit hole, and Mylette Nora has designed an eye-catching variety of odd costumes. Among the more memorable skits are a bizarre cooking class conducted by a garrulous French chef (Joey D'Auria, who also appears as a man with a rhino horn); a spirited gathering of devotees to a headless autocrat; an International Peace Conference of shouts, accusations and gibberish; and a family of clowns (from The Bald Soprano) all named Bobby Watson."
Santa Monica Mirror - Recommended
"...But you don't need to be familiar with his plays to enjoy "Ionescopade" at The Odyssey in West L.A. It's a truly silly, wonderful and brilliantly performed evening of "musical vaudeville," in song, mime and farce based on his plays."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Perhaps the greatest attribute of Castellino's direction is his ability to keep both the horror and humor at arm's length from each other. The biggest surprise of Ionescopade, although not explicitly stated, is that there is something of a love story (yes, love story) to be found among the madness."
The Hollywood Reporter - Recommended
"...But Castellino keeps the action lively, and the estimably talented troupe bulldozes past the lame passages with genuinely engaging singing and dancing. Their abundant and infectious gifts contradict Ionesco's sour dispositions and allow his bleak view of human nature to masquerade momentarily as life-affirming. In occasional doses, this can be tonic."
Stage Scene LA - Recommended
"...Far more than simply a musical revue, Ionescopade combines Kayden's songs with scenes from Ionesco's plays and one particularly powerful monolog to make for an evening of theater unlike any you've likely ever seen."
StageHappenings.com - Recommended
"...If you enjoy walking along the edge of farce and insanity, then this is the show for you."
ArtsInLA - Somewhat Recommended
"...Castellino's vision is impressively supported by the in-your-face production designs of David Potts (sets), Jeremy Pivnick (lights), Mylette Nora (costumes) and Joe Behm/Josie Griffin-Roosth (sound). But despite the historic affirmation Ionesco has achieved for his minimalist stage ethic, it is still disappointing there is no there there."
Thespian Thoughts - Recommended
"....Ionescopade: A raucous vaudeville comedy inspired by writer Eugene Ionesco Theatre of the absurd at its zany best, this colorful collection of songs, sketches, magic and madness is a dizzying treat."
Culture Spot LA - Recommended
"...Ionesco aficionados will find great fun in identifying the origins of each skit amongst Ionesco's vast masterpieces in the theater of the absurd. For non-aficionados, if you can suspend your need for logic and a through story line, you will appreciate the collective craft of this talented ensemble as they earnestly tackle their multiple roles with the greatest conviction."
The Los Angeles Post - Recommended
"...The production is enticing, creative, and interesting, but I have to admit it's not for everyone. "Ionescopade" is billed as a musical, but it's more like a journey into the complicated minds of those writers who flood the readers with their complex sophistication. For total satisfaction, you need to process the spoken words."
Broadway World - Recommended
"...The episodic IONESCOPADE is a fast-moving vaudeville, a little naughty and very, very funny look at the ridiculous nature of life."
