Great Expectations

“★★★½ If you’re tired of the mutterings of old Ebenezer and yet still crave some of that Dickensian moral pudding, then consider the unexpected sleeper of a new show at the Strawdog Theatre. Therein, six fine actors tell the multicharacter tale … Gale Childs Daly’s exceptional new adaptation is uncommonly tight and suspenseful. With their multiple plots, Dickens novels often are tough to adapt. This one keeps the storytelling, and the hero, front and center. Truly, it’s a riveting cutting and shaping that is never dull for a moment. Much of that is due to Jason Gerace’s direction; the staging hardly is pretentious, but the stakes are thrillingly high throughout.”

— Chicago Tribune

“★★★★★ … The venerable storefront ensemble’s new adaptation of Dickens’s Great Expectations, performed by six actors, is an unexpected pleasure … Daly’s lithe adaptation smartly trims Dickens’s expansive plot and cast without feeling like it sacrifices too much. It’s a great pleasure watching strong young Chicago talents … embody numerous characters, transmuting in front of you … Strawdog’s compelling production greatly exceeds expectations.”

— Time Out Chicago

“HIGHLY RECOMMENDED… What makes the crucial difference in Strawdog Theatre’s magnificent production of ​“Great Expectations” - easily among the finest shows of the year - is that its supremely gifted ensemble of six actors not only captures all the superficial qualities of Dickens’ marvelous characters (and they play about 40 of them), but they furrow deep into their hearts and souls. The many individual quirks are unquestionably amusing, revealing and richly theatrical, but there is something far greater going on here. Along with Gale Childs Daly’s flawless adaptation and Jason W. Gerace’s diamond-cut direction, it is this emotional undertow that makes this production soar. The show is a stunner on every level.”

— Chicago Sun-Times