Los Angeles Times - Recommended
"...The battle over Oshoosi's fate plays out with thrilling immediacy in this staging by Shirley Jo Finney, who also directed "In the Red and Brown Water" at the Fountain. She is ably assisted by Hana S. Kim's evocative, abstract set, Ameenah Kaplan's powerful choreography, Peter Bayne's original music arranged by Brenda Lee Eager, and the three dazzling performances."
LA Weekly - Recommended
"...The muscular ensemble doesn't let up for a moment. This is sure to be one of the season's memorable productions."
Broadway World - Recommended
"...The Los Angeles premiere of THE BROTHERS SIZE at the Fountain Theatre, directed by Shirley Jo Finney, is an exuberantly theatrical drama that weaves together the pulsing rhythms of the bayou with African Yoruba mythology to create a stylized story of love and heartache."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...It's admittedly true that we find ourselves occasionally not absolutely sure how to evaluate the show: Through director Shirley Jo Finney's beautifully stylized staging, it is sometimes unclear whether we're watching characters, symbolic representation of characters, or metaphors for emotions. By the show's end, though, it turns out that the answer is unimportant: Sometimes ambiguity is just the way it is – we are not expected to understand everything in the world, and that confusion should not weigh against our appreciation of McCraney's excellent work."
The Hollywood Reporter - Recommended
"...It all works to splendid effect throughout under the absolutely attuned direction of Shirley Jo Finney, whose command of this difficult style is so deceptively effortless that it takes mere seconds to discern her unmistakable touch (it's like "Name That Tune" in three notes, abetted by choreographer Ameenah Kaplan's signature steps). While all production values on a short budget are stellar, particular attention ought be paid to the precise and sensitive lighting of Pablo Santiago, who shapes eloquently illuminated close-ups suggestive of finely sculpted cinematic portraiture that immensely enhances the impact of the actors' already communicative faces and bodies."
EyeSpyLA - Recommended
"...Go see "The Brothers Size." It is as simple as that. I wish I had the ability like my betters to speak more eloquently on the virtues of this play. I don't think there's a critic worth their salt in this town who hasn't highly recommended it. Trust me. I wouldn't lead you astray. It's probably the best theater I've seen this year so far. You deserve it. Everyone does. This is a perfect example of what theater can do, invoke and inspire when everything is so well-done and well….brilliant. There won't be an extended run so run out to see "The Brothers Size" now!"
Stage Scene LA - Somewhat Recommended
"...The Fountain Theatre follows its multiple award-winning 2012 production of Tarell Alvin McCraney's In The Red And Brown Water with the Los Angeles Premiere of the 33-year-old playwright's The Brothers Size, and while the production is as beautifully acted as they get, I am a good deal less enamored with the second in McCraney's Brother/Sister Plays trilogy than I was with the first."
StageHappenings.com - Recommended
"...McCraney has supplied his talented cast with moving and poetic images, rooted in strong character-reality, and director Finney has helped the three men bring out the subtleties in McCraney's observations. The ensemble-work is profound and exciting."
ArtsInLA - Recommended
"...With the aid of choreographer Ameenah Kaplan and the gifts of these outstanding performers, who go directly to the top of the list as this year's most exceptional ensemble cast in Los Angeles as they exquisitely embrace the poetry and theatricality of the piece, once again the team of Finney and Fountain proves a match made in dramaturgical heaven."
Working Authur - Recommended
"...If I could I would stand in front of the Fountain day and night shouting to all that passed, "Here is the power of theatre, here is the magic of the stage!" However, it would only annoy the Fountain's neighbors, and, after all, this is L.A.; nobody pays attention to a wild man's ranting. But trust me, gentle readers; this is one not to be missed."
LifeInLA - Recommended
"...The Brothers Size delivered an evening of intelligent thought provoking entertainment with a universal message."
