Kay Kudukis of BroadwayWorld.com writes, “I was in the Chicago theater community for a few years, and I will tell you this is the type of theater that we’d flock to see. It’s that rare bird of a play that gives you the facts, and lets you decide on your takeaway. Seeing and telling a tale from all sides requires skill, a craft in which Nottage excels. It’s hard to take sides, we see everyone’s point of view up until the moment everything explodes in a very shocking way.
Like all good dramas, Sweat has moments of humor to keep us from causing ourselves any personal harm, although the first act left many of us concerned, okay…we were a bit depressed. When I returned to my seat, my neighbor to the right of me joked, “The second act is a musical.” But it wasn’t, what it was, was powerful theater that was well-worth the time not just because of Nottage’s writing, but by the thoughtful directing of Shaw and this incredible cast. It continues to take up space in your brain long after you’ve left the theater.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted, laugh riot, this is not the play for you. If your cerebellum craves thoughtful, well-crafted, well-directed, well-acted and well-produced theater, I encourage you to book a ticket back to Reading. It will absolutely make you Sweat.”
For the complete review, click here.