Affluence Reviews
Examiner- Recommended
"...The cast of Lloyd Pedersen (Robert Jr.), Rhonda Lord (Jean Woodley), Justin Huff (Arthird), Ilona Kulinska (Beanie), Nan Tepper (Namoo), and Christine Uhebe (Inez) did a great job in working as a fine ensemble under Larry Eisenberg's direction."
Will Call- Recommended
"...Theatre folks, keep your eye on this young woman. Affluence is author Peterson's first collaboration with Theatre 40, and the winner of the 2013 Julie Harris Playwright Award of the Beverly Hills Theatre Guild. Well deserved!"
Culture Vulture- Somewhat Recommended
"...The cast - Pedersen, Lord, Kulinska, Huff, Uhebe and Tepper - are all experienced actors and performed appropriately. I found Eisenberg's direction to be slow, as if the audience might miss some significant step along the way. It also grew tiresome for the Kulinska and Huff characters to object, loudly and repeatedly, to their childhood nicknames: "My name is Barbara, not ‘Beanie'!" she screamed; "My name is Rob, not ‘Arthird'," (‘R'-third, get it?) he shouts. It added little to the story other than accentuating their adolescence. Peterson won the Beverly Hills Theatre Guild's 2013 Julie Harris Playwriting Award for this play. I wondered if he reflected on the irony of the world premiere of "Affluence" occurring in Beverly Hills. BH, after all, is about as affluent a ‘nabe' as can be found in America."
LifeInLA- Recommended
"...At the same time, Peterson's narrative is not in the least taxing on the cerebrum. Beanie's infectious charm, Jean's superiority complex, Arthird's feeblemindedness, Robert's passionate commitment to his family, and Namoo's reserved aggression are all familiar notes that Peterson strikes to pluck at the heartstrings. Moreover, Peterson's characters' extreme behaviors contrast beautifully within the eerie uncomfy confines of the cleverly designed set-much thanks to Jeff G. Rack, resident designer for Theatre 40."
Showmag- Recommended
"...That's the set-up for this dark, dark comedy now in its world premiere at Beverly Hills' Theatre 40. Directed by Larry Eisenberg with a focus on naturalism and with high production values (kudos to set designer Jeff G. Rack and costumer Michele Young), Eisenberg has also assembled a cast that is up to the challenge of this cruel comedy."
Theatre Spoken Here- Recommended
"...Larry Eisenberg's fast-paced direction sets up the family dynamics, while set by Jeff G. Rack and costumes by Michèle Young suggest their casual affluence."
Broadway World- Recommended
"...The World Premiere of AFFLUENCE by playwright Steven Peterson is a pitch-dark comedy that may cause one to reflect on the true meaning of wealth. The play was the winner of the 2013 Julie Harris Playwright Award of the Beverly Hills Theatre Guild, now onstage at Theatre 40 through October 20, directed by Larry Eisenberg and produced by David Hunt Stafford, their first stage collaboration in their 40 year friendship. What took you two so long to create such a fine piece of theater?"