On Like Poetry
“An impressive expression of the artist’s impulse and desire to create wrapped in society’s expectations of career and gender. And all the more impressive because such ‘weighty’ issues are handled with deft voice and sense of humor. Unexpected and original imagery that will linger with me for some time. With Walt Whitman, no less… very nice. Great call back of the jar of worms and a great image from which art can spring. Pleasing mesh of profane and poetic.”–Sean Clark, Assistant Professor at University of Nevada
‘This highly promising production, which concluded its run on Wednesday night, is beautifully structured, with an impressive blend of poignancy and humor, nicely distinct performances, and respectfully playful direction by Audrey Alford.’–Anita Gates, New York Times
“There’s clearly an interesting, talented playwriting voice here, and I’d certainly be interested to see whatever O'Hare might come up with in the future.’–Martin Denton, nytheatre.com
Flyer created by Sholem Krishtalka
Sholem Krishtalka is an artist and a writer currently based in Berlin, Germany. His work has been shown in Toronto, Berlin and New York, and has been featured in catalogues and magazines internationally. His writing has appeared in various magazines, books, artist’s catalogues and blogs.
On The Gay American
"Their production will sell out every night, if there is any justice in this world. The Gay American is top-drawer, savage American comedy. Its script is an outrageous, non-stop interrogation of the value of gay identity politics at its intersection with its closeted presence on the national political scene.” -Paige Listerud, Chicago Theater Beat
“… Some of the fouler jism jokes O’Hare employs to this end have a kitschy, John Waters merriment, and the generally enthused cast clearly delights in them.” -Christopher Shea, Time Out Chicago
“… Allison Shoemaker’s raucous production for the Ruckus Theater presents all the corruption and flimflammery with gusto…” -Zac Thompson, Chicago Reader
…the ensemble’s game; Freddie Donovan’s rent boy/page is a good sport in platform boots, roller blades and tap shoes; Julie Cowden and Stevie Chaddock bring a painful vulnerability to their wife and daughter roles and Neal Starbird works McGreevey’s white-bread sleaziness. Director Allison Shoemaker drives the pacing, which keeps us from drowning in dishonesty.” -Lisa Buscani, NewCity Chicago
“…Kristian O'Hare’s vulgar new play, "The Gay American,” leaves one disgusted and numb.“ -Sarah Terez Rosenblum, Centerstage