This Side of Crazy Reviews
Los Angeles Times- Recommended
"...Shores, who also directs, has assembled a crack team of designers, while musical director Blake McIver draws serviceable harmonies from the cast. Eakes, Sorsa and Dickey balance subtle humor with striking authenticity, whereas Garrison is a full-blown comic diva who seems to have jobbed in from one of Shore's more farcical early plays - a tonal irregularity."
Broadway World- Recommended
"...Technical wizardry abounds in the form of such a thoroughly realistic, split-level Southern home, thanks to the amazing, small theater scenic design by Tom Buderwitz. Audience members actually walk through the set to get to their seats, giving you the ability to notice all the family photos and mementos that decorate Ditty's home. In fact, this set could be the family home of all Del Shores plays, given how authentically Southern it is. And of course, there is an older upright piano in the living room upon which Garrison actually plays a song for the sisters to practice singing."
Stage and Cinema- Highly Recommended
"...While familial sparks surely fly in this riotous work, This Side of Crazy is equally measured in its pathos. Riding that fine line of lunacy is a seriousness that packs an emotional punch. And beyond its Christian, single-gender specificity is an undeniable universality. Through the Blaylocks, Shores offers us a chance to re-examine resentments that may be impeding reconciliation in our own lives. In equal parts sincerity and sass the play works analogously as a beseeching prayer: Lord, have mercy!"
LA Splash- Recommended
"...Written and directed by the talented Del Shores, THIS SIDE OF CRAZY is a brilliant jaunt into the insane lives of four women as they face-off with each other. In this Los Angeles premiere, Del Shores admits that he was inspired by his obsession with gospel singer Dottie Rambo, a performer and prolific song writer. Growing up as a pastor's son in Texas and surrounded by gospel music, Shores was weaned on the music of the believers - and was especially intrigued by Rambo, who wrote over 2500 songs and is considered by many to be the best gospel songwriter who ever lived."
Stage Scene LA- Highly Recommended
"...No one writes about the sordid lives of Southern Baptist women with more vinegar-laced love and affection than Del Shores, once again delighting Zephyr Theatre audiences with his latest dramedic treat, a rib-tickling, tear-jerking Kentucky-fried feast appropriately dubbed This Side Of Crazy."
On Stage Los Angeles- Highly Recommended
"...Prolific playwright Del Shores is at it again with families who pray together, but don't necessarily stay together. Turning on his Texas roots, this Los Angeles premier takes place in Kentucky. The ghosts of his past productions come to life to haunt us once again. "
Showmag- Highly Recommended
"...Religion, homosexuality, sibling rivalry, celebrity-all are topics Shores knows well, and his characters never disappoint. The small Zephyr Theatre makes a perfect intimate showcase allowing the audience to get up close and personal with the actors, making it a very satisfying evening."
Stage Raw- Highly Recommended
"...Eakes's entire performance springs from a profound and powerful well of emotion. She is skillful at hurling edgy comedic barbs, born of anger and bitterness, and when Rachel must own the fact that she stole Jude from Abigail, the moment she crafts is stunning. And Dickey is intensely moving when, as Abigail, she finally airs her agony and anger over Rachel's treachery. The only leavening element among the four women is provided by Bethany, and Sorsa navigates that role with likability and strength."
Haines His Way- Highly Recommended
"...Shores skillfully directs his play, eliciting every emotional moment while making sure every laugh line delivers the laughs. His superb quartet of actresses is led by Sharon Garrison as the formidable Ditty. She is a Master Manipulator who knows how to push all the right buttons "because she installed them". Bobbie Eakes as Rachel forcefully goes toe to toe with Ditty, beautifully etching a character desperately trying to bravely smile through life no matter what it has thrown at her. Rachel Sorsa brings much humor and humanity to Bethany, a carefree spirit who has led a rough life and finds her calling as family peacemaker. Dale Dickey paints a harrowing portrait of a woman who has been shut away for decades, her edges dulled by drugs, but still festering with anger, regret and feelings of betrayal. Tom Buderwitz's scenic design artfully crams many playing areas onto the tiny Zephyr stage. This Side of Crazy is this side of brilliant. As the old ad line went-"you will laugh, you will cry" and you will go home grateful your family is not the Blaylock clan."