CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Nina Metz

“Rarely is flirting so winningly captured as it is in The Gift Theatre's assured production of "The Ruby Sunrise," about the dawn of the televised age…The production is a hoot”

“Director John Gawlik's staging hits all the right notes, and then some…all snap and vinegar and retro charisma…their sly banter has a "His Girl Friday" energy to it.”

“Real turn-ons in Gift Theatre play about TV… the smashing Brenda Barrie, warm and sharp…Michael Patrick Thornton brings a jaded Noo Yawk acidity to the role.”

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

Hedy Weiss

"Recommended. The Ruby Sunrise," now in a vibrant Chicago premiere by the Gift Theatre, is Rinne Groff's rueful, multifaceted play…with its feminine twist and "Wizard of Oz"-like undertones.”

“Director John Gawlik makes sure the sad broken promise of TV as "the great democratizer and peace-bringer" is transmitted with perfect clarity.”

“A deep, quietly transcendent portrayal by Maura Kidwell…the electric Brenda Barrie…Michael Patrick Thornton, first rate as a gifted, broken-spirited writer”

TIMEOUT CHICAGO

Caitlin Montanye Parrish

5 Stars! “Marvelous!”

“Gawlik’s direction is brisk delight; the production brims with crackerjack performances.”

“ Barrie and Thornton are first among equals—and the sexiest screwball pair since Hepburn and Stewart.”

THE CHICAGO READER

Tony Adler

“Recommended. This delightful version, directed by John Gawlik…the smart performances, the ensemble intimacy, the stretches of screwball pacing, the evocative video by Liviu Pasare, and Michael Patrick Thornton's uncanny turn as a TV writer during the McCarthy era…they've done an awfully nice job. “

CHICAGO FREE PRESS

Brian Kirst

Highly Recommended! "Director John Gawlik keeps all of Groff's story threads humming with electric clarity and palpable passion."

"A beautiful cast headed by Brenda Barrie, Maura Kidwell, Michael Patrick Thornton and Patrick De Nicola (both youthfully eager and emotionally precise)... the exquisite Alexandra Main's...making "The Ruby Sunrise" smart, vital and essentially feministic viewing."

WINDY CITY TIMES

Mary Shen Barnidge

Highly Recommended! "John Gawlik directs an intensely focused cast, led by Brenda Barrie and Michael Patrick Thornton as the romantic crusaders"

"It is at this time in the yearly season when glimmers of hidden treasure make their appearance on the storefront circuit, and this inspirational tale of small, imperfect victories won in the fight to defend American democracy shines brightly enough to justify the expedition to Gift Theatre's humble corner in Jefferson Park."

 STEADSTYLE CHICAGO

Alan Bresloff

Highly Recommended! "Powerful...wonderful performance...sweet and funny...the chemistry is magical...a very positive and loving note that might just bring a tear to your eye...a marvelous job...worth the price of admission."

CENTERSTAGE CHICAGO

Zev Valancy

“Recommended. Rinne Groff's utterly charming, surprisingly moving "The Ruby Sunrise”…John Gawlik's robust production makes the best of Groff's rewarding play.”

“Groff writes vibrant, exciting dialogue and has created rounded, fascinating characters…so the show is consistently fun to watch and often engaging on a profound level.”

“Gawlik's…guided his actors to exceptional work, with Brenda Barrie, Patrick De Nicola, Alexandra Main, John Connolly and Michael Patrick Thornton particularly strong…wonderfully fun to watch”

CHICAGOCRITIC.COM

Chris Arnold

“Turn off the TV (it’s all reruns anyway) and venture to The Gift Theatre.”

“Recommended. Rinnie Groff is rich with imagination…"The Ruby Sunrise" delves into disturbing question with wit and a light touch….provocative work examining the birth of television”

“…You will be rewarded as the dramatic action unfolds…Michael Patrick Thornton in a tortured performance that would make Eugene O’Neil proud.”

“Scenic designer Ian Zywica nicely transformed the theater into an old time sound stage. John Horan’s lights enhanced the mood and tone of the play, as did the sound design by Christopher Kriz. Finally, I tip my hat to Liviu Pasare’s video design.”