Luna Gale Reviews
Los Angeles Times- Recommended
"...But just as the critic Eric Bentley cautioned us when approaching Henrik Ibsen's plays to "look for the ideas behind the ideas," it's important with Gilman to examine the deeper investigation lurking behind the more topical concerns of her dramas. This is especially the case with her latest work "Luna Gale," which is currently receiving a thoroughly absorbing and cracklingly well-acted Goodman Theatre production at the Kirk Douglas Theatre."
LA Weekly- Recommended
"...These are the questions that make Luna Gale so scintillating. Stir in Robert Falls' staging of a superlative ensemble, and you have a production that doesn't let go easily."
Stage and Cinema- Recommended
"...Fortunately, Goodman perfectly packages this world premiere at the Kirk Douglas Theatre on Todd Rosenthal's turntable set depicting half a dozen elaborately detailed rooms. Equally textured are the seven performances from a documentary-minded ensemble. No bravura acting here, just very recognizable people trapped by fears, rules and habits that demand repair. Fisher conveys her desperation with hair-trigger accuracy, backed up by a cast as contemporary as the saga."
The Hollywood Reporter- Recommended
"...Working with frequent collaborators, the sensational Goodman Theatre stalwarts Fisher and director Robert Falls (for the fourth time), Gilman has written a play that appears seamless, with performances that effortlessly complement one another, always in rhythm and utterly organic. No matter how closely you watch, the process is invisible as you succumb to the inner conflicts, the hopelessness and the gray moral ground Luna Gale inhabits."
ArtsBeatLA- Recommended
"...Luna Gale grips you on the inside with its tense undercurrent of imminent threat; chillingly, the fate of more than one character hangs in the balance."
ArtsInLA- Recommended
"...So much is thrown into the hopper that occasionally you sense Gilman deliberately stacking the deck, rather than letting the plot developments evolve naturally. But director Robert Falls's firm command of pacing, and Fisher's extraordinary depth of intellect and feeling, keep the theatrical event compelling and focused."
Neon Tommy- Recommended
"...The world of Child Protective Services is not an elegant one and "Luna Gale," now playing at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, thrives in its gritty world. Directed by Robert Falls, the play provides for a provocative and emotional rollercoaster throughout its full two hours."
Total Theater- Recommended
"...Dark as Luna Gale is LUNA GALE is at times, it is not devoid of light and hope as the play's complicated story unfolds on a revolving set by Todd Rosenthal, yet another of the many Chicago-based theater artists connected to this admirable production."
Cultural Weekly- Recommended
"...Directed by Falls and extremely well cast, Luna Gale delivers a captivating view of the complex issues surrounding child protective services anywhere in America."
KCRW- Recommended
"...It's playwright Rebecca Gilman at her best; the acting is superb; Robert Falls' direction taut and nuanced. We'll talk more about this next week. Right now, find a night not already filled with a holiday party and get tickets to see Luna Gale at the Douglas."