The Circle Reviews
Stage and Cinema- Somewhat Recommended
"...Stacey Martino Rivera's world premiere The Circle at Greenway Court Theatre begins with a smart framing device: a teenage presentation by Ana (Ava Rivera) on restorative culture that gestures toward indigenous healing circles-and then cuts to her family "circle" some four years earlier that's anything but healing. Act I plays like the opening movement of an American memory play: three generations under one roof, old grudges snapping back to life, everyone talking past everyone, and that familiar August: Osage County hum of dread as the weekend's chemistry turns combustible."
Stage Scene LA- Recommended
"...World Premiere plays are always to some degree works in progress, and though The Circle isn’t yet quite the play it could be, it is well worth a look-see for its unique take on the issues that divide us and for the powerhouse performances being delivered on the Greenway Court stage."
Stage Raw- Recommended
"...The Circle is a tragi-comic play where Rivera explores the conflict between two estranged brothers. Jose Medina (played with bravado by Rene Rivera) is a felon who cares for his ill mother. His younger brother, Ronnie (the charismatic Lakin Valdez) is an actor trying to make it in the film industry. He would like to marry his girlfriend, the very pregnant Molly Mahoney (Victoria Ratermanis, a plausible and solid performance). Meanwhile, Molly's mother, Maeve Mahoney, is played with great comedic timing by Lisa Richards."
Larchmont Buzz- Somewhat Recommended
"...The Circle, by Stacey Martino Rivera, opens with a school presentation by 16-year-old Ana Medina (Ava Rivera) about restorative culture. Among her statistics and references to high school bullying lies the heart of the play: the deep tradition of indigenous peoples, who gather in healing circles to work out their problems."
Nerds Of Color- Not Recommended
"...I wish I could leave more positive critiques for this play but ultimately, the problems started with the script that needed serious trimming and restructuring and everything else that spiraled out from there."