| Los Angeles Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...“The Blue Iris” may not represent the author of “Boesman and Lena,” “‘Master Harold’ … and the Boys” and “Valley Song” at the peak of his powers, but it provides tantalizing insight into an artist who continues to do his country and world theater proud service."
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Variety - Recommended
"...This little gem gets an exemplary American premiere mounting from helmer Stephen Sachs at Fugard’s self-described artistic home out west, Hollywood’s Fountain."
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LA Weekly - Recommended
"...Sachs’ meticulously rendered production features a trio of impeccable performances."
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Backstage - Recommended
"...It’s a short work, in some ways more novella than play, and audiences who require easy accessibility, obvious action, or clear explanations may resist “The Blue Iris.” However, theatergoers willing to let Fugard’s elegiac artistry overtake their consciousness should find a haunting, relevant, and finally transcendent portrait."
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Talkin Broadway - Not Recommended
"...The Blue Iris speaks to issues of grief and guilt, memory and truth, unhappiness and hope. But for all that, I have to admit that it didn’t speak to me."
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LAist - Somewhat Recommended
"...Director Stephen Sachs and his trio of talented actors bring every positive aspect out of the show, and demonstrate that there is some very memorable material here. They’re so good, however, that the bright light they generate puts a spotlight on the show’s flaws."
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Stage and Cinema - Somewhat Recommended
"...Clocking in at under 70 minutes, the story is compelling but the storytelling is not; beautiful symbolism and metaphors abound, but they trump character development; and the chatty dialogue is lopsided with exposition and remembrances (indeed, the script is rife with “remember when you”-type dialogue)."
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The Hollywood Reporter - Recommended
"...He is after bigger stakes than putting on a show, although the three superbly talented actors, as well as deeply sympathetic director Stephen Sachs, certainly are committed to presenting one."
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EyeSpyLA - Somewhat Recommended
"...Fugard’s more intimate plays satisfy when there is more at stake than in this flashback, exposition-laden confessional. Higgins is certainly a fine choice for Fugard and handles the material gracefully, even if too familiarly."
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Buzzine - Recommended
"...Praise belongs to the Fountain Theater, one of the best small theaters in L.A. and Fugard’s voice in this city. The Blue Iris is a one-act play, shorter than Fugard’s usual, but powerful. It leaves an indelible impression: a recognition of the separations between nation and nation, color and color, and the yet the hope that the solution will come from the single hearts, one to one, yearning for communion."
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LA Stage Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...The Blue Iris is second-rate Fugard. Barely more than an hour long, it’s too short, with major elements of the story — such as whether the farmer reciprocates the servant’s feelings — left severely under-unexplored."
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Frontiers - Recommended
"...While The Blue Iris might not sit side-by-side with Fugard’s greatest works, it is always interesting to see what happens when this famed writer puts two or three characters in a room with some profound conflict. And nobody does it better than Sachs and the folks at the Fountain."
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Grigware Blogspot - Recommended
"...Director Stephen Sachs lovingly nurtures three emotionally engaging performances that grow and bloom on the Fountain stage through September 16 only."
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MadTheatrics - Not Recommended
"...The actors are well cast, but are asked to react in ways that feel unnatural and dishonest. This is a melodrama, to be certain, and while there are effective moments and some interesting revelations, I never found myself connecting with the characters or caring about their plight."
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