{"id":1024,"date":"2014-03-20T01:31:16","date_gmt":"2014-03-20T06:31:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.jaredmcdaris.com\/?page_id=1024"},"modified":"2020-09-26T19:57:57","modified_gmt":"2020-09-27T00:57:57","slug":"reviews","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.jaredmcdaris.com\/?page_id=1024","title":{"rendered":"Reviews"},"content":{"rendered":"

Click here<\/a> to read my own reviews of other plays<\/a>.<\/h3>\n
\"\"<\/a>Acting
\n<\/strong><\/span>“…Intoxicating… charming, funny, and passionate…” – Mike Fischer, JS Online<\/a>
\n“McDaris radiates magic!” – Lauren Whalen, Chicago Theater Beat
\n“…AMAZING vocal quality…” – Shawn Andrew Smith, Chicago Stage Standard
\n“Comic gold!” – Rick Maurer, Geek N Out Review<\/a>
\n“McDaris exudes all the spellbinding conviction of a renowned thespian.” –Kelsey Lawler, Broadway World<\/a><\/h5>\n
Directing
\n\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/span>“I cannot recommend this show enough… 4 out of 4 stars.” (The Wayward Women, 2016<\/a>)
\n\u201cDark subject matter handled deftly, surprising moments of humor and pathos.\u201d (Countess Bathory, 2016<\/a>)
\n“Quite possibly one of my favorite live theatre experiences ever…” (Love’s Labours Lost, 2014<\/a>)
\n“Masterfully Delivered.” (<\/span>Twelfth Night, 2014<\/a>)
\n<\/span><\/span>“Such a great show!” (A Thousand Times Goodnight, 2015<\/a>)
\n<\/span><\/h5>\n
\"\"Writing<\/strong><\/span>
\n“McDaris\u2019 use of language and quick wit closely conjures the rhythm of Elizabethan comedy, a literary feat worth hearing alone.” (A Thousand Times Goodnight, 2013<\/a>)
\n“I was astounded this wasn\u2019t an actual Shakespeare play that I somehow missed- [McDaris]\u00a0displays such a talent for writing dialogue that I will endeavor to see any play he\u2019s written.” (The Wayward Women, 2016<\/a>)
\n“McDaris\u2019 script is not only exquisitely paced and structured, but it is incredibly intelligent as well.” (Countess Bathory, 2016<\/a>)
\n“Indefatigable in eloquence. In the beginning, I was wondering which bard this was. I realized the truth and it made me laugh. What a gifted and utterly unique writer.\u201d (The Wayward Women, 2017<\/a>)<\/span><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a>THIS PRISON WHERE I LIVE<\/strong><\/a>, by Angela Iannone<\/strong>
\nTheaterRED, Milwaukee (Midwest Premier)<\/strong>
\nROLE: Edwin Booth (2018)<\/strong><\/p>\n

“One cannot imagine a finer portrayal of Edwin Booth than the one given by Chicago actor and playwright Jared McDaris. He manages to hold the audience\u2019s attention throughout the play. McDaris\u2019s mercurial moods as Edwin Booth provide an effective emotional flow that carries throughout this unique piece of theater.” – Anne Siegel, TotalTheater<\/a><\/p>\n

“McDaris exudes all the spellbinding conviction of a renowned thespian, while simultaneously crumbling within the confines of Edwin’s mental and emotional distress.” – Kelsey Lawler, Broadway World<\/a><\/p>\n

“Jared McDaris deftly wields precision and perfection in his portrayal of the brother haunted by the ghost of an assassin. … relentless focus tempered by passion.” – Russ Bickerstaff, The Small Stage<\/a><\/p>\n

“This small cast is truly without flaw…\u00a0McDaris is tempered with his delivery. He brings Edwin’s naturalistic style to the interpretation of the reserved character, which elaborates the desperation as Edwin\u00a0descends into madness.” – Kimberly Laberge, The Drama Den<\/a><\/p>\n

“McDaris gives a remarkable performance as Edwin.” – Marilyn Jozwik, Wisconsin Theater Spotlight<\/a><\/p>\n

“Stellar acting.” – Harry Cherkinian, Shepherd Express<\/a><\/p>\n

“Please please PLEASE SEE this show\u2014it was some of the best theater I\u2019ve seen in my life” – Kira Renkas, Aura Theater Collective<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>THE PASSION OF BOUDICCA<\/strong><\/a>, by Jared McDaris<\/strong>
\nWe Three<\/strong><\/a>, Chicago (World Premier)<\/strong>
\nPOSITION: Director (2017)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cExhilarating and inspiring historical fiction!\u201d \u2013 Mark Anthony Child<\/p>\n

\u201cA shout out\u2026 to playwright\/director Jared McDaris, for hoodwinking me completely into thinking I was watching the genuine article, a \u201cforgotten\u201d Elizabethan play that had escaped my attention all these years.\u201d \u2013 Herb Metzler<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>THE WAYWARD WOMEN<\/a>, by Jared McDaris<\/strong>
\nTheaterRED<\/a>, Milwaukee (MKE Premier)<\/strong>
\nPOSITION: Playwright (2017)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cEvery character is a show alone. The plot is a Shakespearean twist that alludes to so many plays and it\u2019s a delight to hear it if you\u2019ve done your homework. It\u2019s a marvelous play\u2026 indefatigable in eloquence. In the beginning, I was wondering which bard this was. I realized the truth and it made me laugh. What a gifted and utterly unique writer.\u201d \u2013 Bill Jackson<\/p>\n

“Wayward Women was an amazing show… intricate, yet accessible, and my cheeks hurt from laughing afterwards.” – Natasha Mortazavi<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>SHERLOCK HOLMES: ALMOST GOT HIM<\/a>, by Jared McDaris<\/strong>
\nDevonshire Playhouse<\/a> & EDGE Theatre<\/a>, Skokie<\/strong>
\nPOSITION: Playwright (2017)<\/strong><\/p>\n

“With a plot and action-movie-like fight sequences that unfold like a graphic novel, each actor gets their moment to shine under Orion Couling’s direction, as five (or six!) stories unfold beautifully under fantastically designed lighting and impeccably classic costuming. A fun 90 minute escapade through the mysteries of London!” – Sarah Sapperstein<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

COUNTESS BATHORY<\/a>, by Jared McDaris<\/strong>
\nWe Three<\/a>, Chicago<\/strong>
\nPOSITION: Director (2016)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cFolks, go see Countess Bathory: A New Elizabethan Tragedy by Jared McDaris<\/a> if you can! It\u2019s donations-welcome and an epic darkly funny deeply unsettling Elizabethan style play with fantastic language and fantastic performances!\u201d \u2013 Alyson Grauer<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cDark subject matter handled deftly, surprising moments of humor and pathos\u2026 it was very pleasant to hear non-Shakespearean verse that was just as passionate and fiery as the Bard\u2019s.\u201d \u2013 Jeremiah Barr<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>THE WAYWARD WOMEN<\/a>, by Jared McDaris<\/strong>
\nWe Three<\/a>, Chicago<\/strong>
\nPOSITION: Director (2016)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot recommend this show enough\u2026 It is original, playful, hilarious… A solid 4 out of 4 stars.<\/span>\u201d \u2013 Patrick Bushnell<\/p>\n

\"ATTGChi<\/a>A THOUSAND TIMES GOODNIGHT<\/a>, by Jared McDaris<\/strong>
\nThe Unrehearsed Shakespeare Company<\/a>, Chicago<\/strong>
\nPOSITION: Director (2015)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWe had an awesome time!!\u00a0<\/span>Brava\/Bravo to all the actors, playwright, and production team! I love seeing theatre that leaves you energized at the end.<\/span>\u201d \u2013 Emily Brantz<\/p>\n

“Such a great show! Laughed a lot, booed, cheered, hissed, clapped, all sorts of good feels.” – Peter Hammer<\/p>\n

\"DSC_8924<\/a>THE ILLUSION<\/a>, by Tony Kushner (freely adapted from “L’Illusion Comique,” by Pierre Corneille)<\/strong>
\nThe Right Brain Project, Chicago<\/strong>
\nROLE: “Matamore” (2015)<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Jared McDaris makes a swashbuckling Matamore, with all the wink-and-nudge humor of Inigo Montoya.” – Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review<\/a><\/p>\n

“Jared McDaris’ pompous pirate\/plot device [scores]\u00a0the biggest laughs.” – Kerry Reid, The Chicago Tribune<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_8068b-1024x682\"<\/a>MACBETH<\/a>, by William Shakespeare<\/strong>
\nAccidental Shakespeare, Chicago<\/strong>
\nROLE: “Duncan\/Porter\/Doctor” (2014)<\/strong><\/p>\n

“McDaris is an extremely dynamic actor, switching convincingly and quickly through majestic, hilarious, frantic, and quietly concerned through each of the roles he plays.” – ailelie<\/a><\/p>\n

\"12N-016\"<\/a>TWELFTH NIGHT<\/a>, by William Shakespeare
\nH+D Productions, Milwaukee<\/strong>
\nPOSITION: Director (2014)<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Masterfully delivered… Director Jared McDaris staged each scene with purpose, allowing the actors to thrive… a brilliant overall production.” – Local Trolley<\/a><\/p>\n

“Under the direction of Chicago-based Jared McDaris… they capture something about the play that more respectful productions don’t always: it’s really, really\u00a0funny.” – Jeff Grygny,\u00a0Milwaukee Theatre Examiner<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\"LLL01\"<\/a>LOVE’S LABOURS LOST<\/a>, by William Shakespeare
\nThe Right Brain Project, Chicago<\/strong>
\nPOSITION: Director (2014)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThese interactive scenes made you gasp, laugh, and made it impossible to keep your eyes off every actor scattered amidst the attending guests\u2026 each actor held up their end equally with suave gender fluidity that I truly wish all theatre groups would take note of.\u201d \u2013 Jacqueline Arbelo,\u00a0D20 Girls Magazine Online<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

“Quite possibly one of my favorite live theatre experiences ever… definitely\u00a0plan on returning” – Bradley Biederman<\/span><\/p>\n

“Loves Labors is an amazing theatrical\u00a0experience… [The Right Brain Project]\u00a0brings to life one of Shakespeare’s funniest plays.” – Marc James<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Water-0170-682x1024AMADEUS<\/a>, by Peter Schaffer
\nWorld’s Stage Theatre, Milwaukee<\/strong>
\nROLE: “Mozart” (2014)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cJared McDaris is intoxicating as a show-stealing Mozart: brash, crude and shamelessly egotistical, but also charming, funny and passionate. Even more impressive, McDaris captures the emotional depth of a character who rightly tells us that while \u2018my tongue is stupid, my heart isn\u2019t.\u2019 \u201d \u2013 Mike Fischer, JS Online (McDaris\u2019s Mozart Hits Right Notes In World\u2019s Stage\u2019s Amadeus<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\u201c[Gretchen Mahkorn] and McDaris have good chemistry, and the scenes they share \u2014 some infectiously joyous and others heartbreaking \u2014 are consistently convincing.\u201d \u2013 Mike Fischer, JS Online (McDaris\u2019s Mozart Hits Right Notes In World\u2019s Stage\u2019s Amadeus<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\u201cMcDaris does a really good job of bringing a very human and very passionate artist to the stage.\u201d \u2013 Russ Bickerstaff, Express Milwaukee (A Close-Up For Amadeus and Salieri<\/a>)<\/p>\n

“McDaris makes a most convincing Mozart.” – Jeff Grygny, Milwaukee Theater Examiner (Murdered by His Century: World Stage’s Colorful “Amadeus”<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\"ATTG-040\"A THOUSAND TIMES GOODNIGHT<\/a>, by Jared McDaris
\nTheaterRED, Milwaukee<\/strong>
\nPOSITION: Writer\/Director (2013)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMcDaris\u2019 use of language and quick wit closely conjures the rhythm of Elizabethan comedy, a literary feat worth hearing alone… acted with complete confidence by an accomplished, brave cast.\u201d \u2013\u00a0Postscript: Performing Arts<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Red-Hamlet-048\"<\/a>RED HAMLET<\/a>, by Aaron Sawyer
\nRed Theater, Chicago<\/strong>
\nROLE: “Polonius\/Ghost” (2013)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMcDaris\u2026 has an AMAZING vocal quality for Shakespeare.\u201d \u2013 Shawn Andrew Smith, Chicago Stage Standard<\/p>\n

\u201cHamlet hears the voice of his father’s ghost (Jared McDaris) in a delivery that sent shivers up my spine… The command of range shown by the cast is formidable.\u201d \u2013 Joy Campbell, Chicago Theater Beat<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Tempest-024\"THE TEMPEST<\/a>, by William Shakespeare
\nAccidental Shakespeare, Chicago<\/strong>
\nROLE: “Ariel” (2013)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMcDaris radiates magic as sprite Ariel, bringing whimsy to each syllable and completely comfortable jumping around and making mischief.\u201d \u2013 Lauren Whalen, Chicago Theater Beat<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly Jared McDaris \u2013 as the duke\u2019s magical slave, Ariel \u2013 has the vocal chops needed for Shakespeare\u2019s rich poetry.\u201d \u2013 Albert Williams,\u00a0Chicago Reader<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\"10443443_10152092686572027_7348705677100674375_n\"MARAT\/SADE<\/a>, by Peter Weiss
\nThe Right Brain Project, Chicago<\/strong>
\nROLE: “Kokol” [Singer] (2011)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cRobbel has rightly cast solid vocalists and strong instrumentalists and they shine\u2026 And the ensemble itself is a huge, moving, breathing, moaning unit.\u201d \u2013\u00a0AWG:Chicago<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cThe large ensemble constitutes brilliant bits three through 30.\u201d \u2013 Tony Adler<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cThe cast\u2019s renditions of the play\u2019s numerous Brecht-like songs are lovely.\u201d \u2013 Kris Vire<\/span><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Click here to read my own reviews of other plays. Acting “…Intoxicating… charming, funny, and passionate…” – Mike Fischer, JS Online “McDaris radiates magic!” – Lauren Whalen, Chicago Theater Beat “…AMAZING vocal quality…” – Shawn Andrew Smith, Chicago Stage Standard … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":7615,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1024","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P9u111-gw","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.jaredmcdaris.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1024","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.jaredmcdaris.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.jaredmcdaris.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.jaredmcdaris.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.jaredmcdaris.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1024"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"http:\/\/www.jaredmcdaris.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1024\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7235,"href":"http:\/\/www.jaredmcdaris.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1024\/revisions\/7235"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.jaredmcdaris.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7615"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.jaredmcdaris.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1024"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}