Reviews of THE FACE IN THE REEDS are in and here is what they're saying....

 

"Such a pleasure to watch…solid.  Perfect play for the Ruskin Group Theatre’s intimate stage, literally bringing the audience into the dining room to share the joys and heartbreak that surround one family’s Passover dinner.” 

 

"Aidan Blain, 12 years old just like the character Mose that he plays, performs with a maturity much past his real age.”

 

— The Los Angeles Beat (full review):  http://thelosangelesbeat.com/2014/08/the-face-in-the-reeds-premiere-at-the-ruskin-group-theatre-a-passover-dinner-any-family-could-have/

 

 

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"The son [played by Aidan Blain], about to turn 13 (incidentally, as well as in real life), whose name is Mose, is the central reason for the play’s title. He is quite the mouthpiece for the playwright Robin Uriel Russin, with many a poignant and profound monologue throughout…. When Mose speaks... people listen.. His words are filled with passion, wit, sensitivity, and truly get to the heart and soul of one family, and one night, much different from all other nights, where each family member finally tries to connect and understand one another.”

 

— examiner.com (full review):  http://www.examiner.com/review/the-face-the-reeds-quite-a-trip-a-passover-seder-that-is-anything-but

 

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"Wise-guy, but lovable 13-year-old Mose (Aidan Blain) ... serves as the "Doubting Thomas" casting aspersions on what he considers rituals based on myths.  So laughter abounds with Mose serving as the comic foil for most of the two-act play"

 

— Santa Monica Mirror (full review):  http://www.smmirror.com/articles/Life-and-Arts/The-Face-In-The-Reeds-World-Premiere-At-Santa-Monicas-Ruskin-Group-Theatre/41045

 

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"Dysfunctional Jewish family tries to navigate a seder without coming apart.”

 

"Sparks start flying…informative and ... poetic.”

 

— LA Times (full review):  http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-theater-review-the-face-in-the-reeds-ruskin-group-theatre-20140826-story.html

 

 

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“It is a winner.  A nice premiere of a play family holiday dramedy with heart is normally a dismal category, rarely featuring characters this sharp or dialogue this funny."

 

— Stage & Cinema (full review):  http://www.stageandcinema.com/2014/08/24/the-face-in-the-reeds/

 

 

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"[Aidan Blain plays] Mose, who is preparing for his Bar Mitzvah... and is a skeptic about religion —his own in particular. Which introduces a provocative series of arguments and discussions about religious practices, myths, and God"

 

“Each point that’s made is consistent and effective, and director Sarah Figoten Wilson brings this ensemble of excellent actors through it all with conviction, believability, and panache.” (emphasis added)

 

— Santa Monica Daily Press/San Diego Jewish World (full review):  http://www.sdjewishworld.com/2014/08/25/seder-setting-plays-probe-religion/

 

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“A great story line with unlimited possibilities. Ruskin always has good production quality.”

 

—  TheLosAngelesPost (full review):  http://www.thelosangelespost.org/the-face-reeds-reviewed-rose-desena/

 

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"Perfectly cast.  You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy."

 

— Broadway World (full review):  http://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/BWW-Reviews-World-Premiere-THE-FACE-IN-THE-REEDS-Proves-Everyone-Needs-and-Deserves-a-Second-Chance-20140901?PageSpeed=noscript