Bars and Measures
Jungle Theatre
Twin Cities Pioneer Press- Not Recommended
"...Like the script, Marion McClinton's direction wants for nuance. He finds the rhythms in Goodwin's dialogue (aided by a jazzy soundscape scored by Justin Ellington) and captures the dissonant cacophony of a courtroom scene with attorneys braying. But the climactic moment of that scene, in which Eric must face his brother's true motivations, is so unfocused and under-sold that it almost slips by unnoticed; the most significant deficit in a staging whose energy ebbs more than it flows."
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Dominic Papatola
How Was The Show- Somewhat Recommended
"...There is a lot of intrigue in the real-life story of brothers separated by bars and worldviews that inspired this show, but Goodwin's script never finds its heart. The explorations of political ideology and societal injustice are cursory and the relationships outside the compelling central dynamic between brothers only muddy the themes and provide disunity instead of harmony. At only 80 minutes, the broad scope of Bars and Measures results in the core narrative being underserved and underdeveloped."
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David and Chelsea Berglund
Talkin Broadway- Highly Recommended
"...Bars and Measures gives its audience a great deal to think about: issues of loyalty, of justice, of faith ascend from the production. It is particularly relevant in this year when the imprisonment of such a large percentage of African-American men, and the frustrations and fears raised by continued terroristic threats, both weigh heavily on our national consciousness. With two outstanding lead performances and a sterling production, Jungle Theatre gives us a work that engages in the theater and lingers long afterward in the heart and mind."
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Arthur Dorman
Twin Cities Arts Reader- Somewhat Recommended
"...The premise of the show is intriguing, but the play often lacks real drama. Intellectually, Eric talks about his brother, but there is not a lot in the play that conveys this brotherly bond on any real emotional level - there is far more telling than showing. Their scatting back and forth starts as a unique, interesting element, but with a lack of variety this becomes mundane after it fails to move the story forward. Eric's violent reaction to events and spurning his girlfriend in response to his brother's betrayal just does not ring true. Bilal, who reportedly has difficulty controlling his anger, seems to be more reserved."
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Bev Wolfe
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