WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING

"This production of HUMPTY DUMPTY is FANTASTIC! The acting is superb, the pace is brisk, the set is perfectly tuned to the 1970’s, and the message seems to be eternal. SEE IT, SEE IT, SEE IT!”

"Eric Bogosian wrote HUMPTY DUMPTY 20 years ago. it was definitely ahead of its time then, and it may very well be a prediction of the future today."

-Electronic Link Journey, Laurie Lawson:

"The performances are nuanced and the anxiety palpable."

"Perry is on the verge of breaking apart like Humpty-Dumpty himself.''

'Dinolan turns into a ghost of her former self in front of our very eyes. Her eerie transformation is refined and all the more heartbreaking for it."

"Rysdahl’s shallowness does not disappoint."

"Hughes’ calm which stands in juxtaposition to the visitors’ chaos embodies the kindness they are lucky to find but cannot accept."

"Gostkowski’s performance brought to mind Nicholson’s Shining as circumstances began to get the better of him.” 

“Perhaps the only thing Humpty Dumpty didn’t foresee is the price of eggs.”

-Theatre Beyond Broadway, Nicole Jesson

"Although, according to the author, it was written twenty years ago, Eric Bogosian’s Humpty Dumpty is as up-to-date as yesterday. Humor and wit examine a subject we ignore at our peril. What will happen when the grid goes off — when the technical magic that dominates our existence is missing? Once Humpty falls, he can never be put together again. And, right now, with elected officials deliberately trying to corrupt our democratic institutions, we really need to consider that.” 

"Nicole, played by the witty and charming Christina Elise Perry."

"Nat, the house’s caretaker, is skillfully characterized by Brandon Hughes."

-Hi! Drama, Jan Ewing:

"The Max character is especially strong as Nicole’s husband, he imbued his character with an authenticity that cemented the story."

-Beauty News NYC, Eva Whalen

“Director Ella Jane New crafts the dynamics of the group with agility, maintaining the lines of tension as the dangers, both outside and in, increase.”

“David Henderson's detailed scenic design of the barn-turned-vacation cabin is impeccable: from the macrame wall hangings to the record collection, to the ancient kitchen appliances, he perfectly evokes a living area frozen in time decades before the early aughts in which the play takes place.”

“Greg Russ's sound design is unobtrusive but haunting--the constant crackling of the fire their seeming only defense against a full descent into untamed wilderness.”

-A Work Unfinishing

“Humpty Dumpty is indisputably a hard-hitting piece of theater.”

“It’s a fearless expose of the human spirit”

“The acting in Humpty Dumpty is excellent.  Nicole and Troy and are savagely portrayed by their respective actors Christina Elise Perry and Gabriel Rysdahl, although we still believe every minute of their characters.  

“As Spoon, Marie Dinolan is a standout as the most sympathetic figure out of the five.”

“As Max, Kirk Gostkowski gets to play Humpty Dumpty’s arguably most nuanced and complicated character, perfectly balancing his seemingly innate actor’s intensity”

“Nat is perfectly played by Brandon Hughes”

-Lavender After Dark, Jed Ryan

“Scenic designer David Henderson creates an isolated environment, complete with every rustic comfort that would send any urbanite off the deep end.”

“Director Ella Jane New guides each cast member to find the breaking point for their character as they unravel and face their flaws and weaknesses.”

-More Than the Play, Domenick Danza

“The play has a subtle and deeply satisfying intelligence.  It is both difficult and stimulating.

The tension grows, and builds, steadily, punctuated with comic interludes, as the story proceeds.”

-TandBOnTheAisle, Tamara Beck

LAST SEASON: SIMPATICO

WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING

"Excellent cast — skilled actors who run like the wind with this play." 

"I was immediately caught up in this play."

"Action moves seamlessly from place to place, allowing the narrative to unfold realistically with - considerable panache and style."

"As Rosie, CHRISTINA ELISE PERRY is electric." 

"a strong female presence that has been eloquently encouraged by the subtlety of Mr. Zayas’ direction"

"PETE MATTALIANO as Simms who deserves more space than I can give him here. Suffice to say that his extraordinary sense of humor illuminates every word and gesture."

"GO."

- Jan Ewing, Hi!Drama

"makes you think”/mysterious gem."

"meaningful, excellent"

“SUPERB!” 

- AndyBSports

"a blowtorch turn by Kirk Gostkowski"

"sharp and funny [Elizabeth Bays]"

"a riotous and dangerous turn by Pete Mattaliano"

“David Zayas Jr. directs with precision and pizzazz!” 

“Shepard’s ...plays still have plenty to say, and can entertain mightily while they “say it.” 

- Jon Sobel, Blog Critics

"VISCERAL!"

"Amazing cast illuminates every moment ... keeping the audience fully engaged, leaning into the action, and waiting to see what will happen next."

"Kirk Gostkowski plays this scene with unwavering conviction and physical mastery."

- Domenick Danza, MoreThanthePlay

"Thrilling Production!"

"Hughes keeps the audience on the edge of their seats."

- Katrina Carlyle, BeautyNewsNYC

SUPPORT US

Chain Theatre is a registered not for profit 501(c)3 organization. Our income relies on being able to use our space and gathering, which the pandemic made impossible. We are excited for our reopening and our journey to recovery. If you are able to support us during this difficult time, any help is greatly needed and appreciated.

Tax deductible donations can be made here.