Chicago Tribune
- Highly Recommended
"...But what you are watching here, over a swift-moving two hours and 15 minutes (there are three short acts, each representing a different time period), is part parody, part reclamation, part fan fiction, part camp Pride Month entertainment, and part political theater pointing out America’s long history of worshipping dysfunctional and hedonistic white New Yorkers. The performances are all conceived as larger than life, although under-vocalized at times. I hope they fix that."
Chicago Sun Times
- Highly Recommended
"...This world premiere, written and directed by Guest, and running at Jackalope Theatre through July 6, introduces the audience to a fictionalized Warhol, Marilyn Monroe (Alexis Ward), and Edie Sedgwick (Jasmine “Jazzy” Cheri Rush). As the title suggests, there is plenty of cocaine, alongside the story of struggling artists grappling with the cost of success."
Stage and Cinema
- Highly Recommended
"...I may have passed on the foil-lined photo booth—too Bug for me—on my way into Jackalope Theatre’s intimate performance space at The Broadway Armory, but its presence is merely the first indication of the imagination and inventiveness awaiting audiences in the world premiere of Terry Guest‘s Andy Warhol Presents: The Cocaine Play."
Around The Town Chicago
- Recommended
"...For the last five years, Jackalope Theatre has been presenting productions at Berger Park, a small yet comfortable theater on Sheridan Road. Now they have finally returned to their longtime home at the historic Broadway Armory, and they are doing so with one of the most outrageous productions of the season: Andy Warhol Presents The Cocaine Play.With Jackalope Theatre, it often feels like you’re getting one of two experiences: a simple but powerful drama or something completely wild and unexpected"
Buzz Center Stage
- Highly Recommended
"...The play spans three decades. Sydney Lynne’s scenic design stamps all of them with genuine uniqueness and style. Dress transforms with the times too and, in this case, only Edie’s wardrobe changes noticeably as the years roll by. As costume designer, Maddy Shows makes sure they sync perfectly with the period and sing with class. Much the same can be said for Ayanna Bakari and that cavalcade of wigs she presents. Stellar."
BroadwayWorld
- Highly Recommended
"...Making its world premiere at Jackalope Theatre’s space in Broadway Armory Park, Andy Warhol Presents: The Cocaine Play is the latest original work from three-time Jeff Award winner Terry Guest, who serves as both playwright and director. Billed as a “100% fake story about 100% real people” spanning three decades, the play explores how far someone is willing to go for a shot at superstardom. Blending sharp comedy with compelling drama, Andy Warhol Presents: The Cocaine Play keeps audiences guessing as ambition, fame, and self-invention collide."
NewCity Chicago
- Recommended
"...“Andy Warhol Presents: The Cocaine Play” begins by warning the audience not to read too much into anything about to happen on stage. We are told that the following play, a world premiere written and directed by Terry Guest, is actually nothing more than a simple tale of sex and violence. And while the presented story is in fact quite tawdry, it nonetheless does operate on several levels; it just happens to do so in an incredibly sexy and immediate manner."
