Los Angeles Times
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Plot-wise, “The Substance of Fire” reveals a playwright still mastering his craft. But as a character study, with Holocaust themes deepening the stakes of the domestic turmoil, the play holds up extremely well in its critique of a world that has lost its capacity for silence and that is prepared to sacrifice literature for meretricious distraction."
Stage Scene LA
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Five years after his acclaimed star turn as Willy Loman, Rob Morrow returns to the Ruskin Group Theatre in another powerhouse role, that of Holocaust survivor-turned-New York publisher Isaac Geldhart in Jon Robin Baitz’s The Substance Of Fire, a family drama unfortunately not in the same league as Death Of A Salesman."
ArtsBeatLA
- Somewhat Recommended
"...It seems to me now that the two acts of Substance seem more like loosely connected one-acts than one cohesive work, which dampens the overall dramatic power of the play. It also seems like a young playwright’s show, in which many of the characters exist solely to represent a point of view instead of being fully rounded roles. There’s a lot of speechifying here, and characters saying things that you might read in a book but never hear in actual conversation. As a result, this “family” seems like a group of unrelated people, which again undercuts the dramatic impact. That being said, Baitz is a talented writer, and the moments of humor and self-reflection still strike home."
Showmag
- Recommended
"...Happily, nothing can deter Baitz’ hyper-realistic dialogue from unfolding until the play’s enigmatic “to be continued” type ending. On reflection, the story is a metaphor for the difficulties that our president, Joe Biden, and his bungling supporters are experiencing: the rush to judgment. As with Isaac Geldhart’s family, that may end up doing more harm than good."
Stage Raw
- Highly Recommended
"...The Substance of Fire by Jon Robin Baitz could almost be two separate plays, its two acts tenuously linked by the leading character’s angst. But Baitz’s writing and this production are so profound and dynamic that the work as a whole has a powerful effect on the viewer, despite this divide. The characters are skillfully drawn and totally believable, while the crisp dialogue seems taken from real life. There is also a great deal of humor that flows naturally from the charged atmosphere."
Indulge Magazine
- Highly Recommended
"...Penned by Jon Robin Baitz, “The Substance of Fire” epitomizes what used to be celebrated as a quintessential evening of theater. The play dazzles with its sharp, erudite dialogue, profound emotional currents, and formidable roles that demand and receive tour-de-force performances. Structured as a character study across two sharply contrasting acts, it delves deep into the intricacies of family dynamics and personal integrity."
Larchmont Buzz
- Highly Recommended
"...Geldhart’s unpleasant nature isn’t always easy to take, despite empathy for its underlying cause. Orphaned as a young child, he has spent his life without the foundation most take for granted, forever dealing with forces of evil and forgetfulness. Mike Reilly directs with sensitivity, ensuring all the complexities come through."
Glamgical
- Highly Recommended
"...Director Mike Reilly captures in vivid detail the essence of the play. With a stellar cast and a brilliant text, Reilly structures a poignant production that presents the challenging realities of a character that refuses to let go of the past, and characters that expose the emotional scars of secrets and insecurities. Will the characters be able to reignite the substance of fire'"
Broadway World
- Recommended
"...Following up his Willy Loman in DEATH OF A SALESMAN in 2019, Morrow reunites with director Mike Reilly to take on Isaac Geldhart in a revival of Jon Robin Baitz's play THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE at the Ruskin. In this endeavor, Morrow has found a dramatic vehicle that - more than 25 years after its premiere - is deepening and maturing as intriguingly as the actor himself. Baitz's play is small with a loud heart. Reilly, Morrow and co. do it up proud."
