HOUSE OF THE RISING SON: 94% – SWEET

Rod Menzies and John Patrick Hurley in "House of the Rising Son" at the Atwater Village Theatre. Photo courtesy of Shane William Zweiner.

SWEET
Tom Jacobson takes a giant step forward with his engrossing, provocative “House of the Rising Son” — note the spelling. It’s nothing less than a comprehensive homosexual ecology that kicks off in a graveyard and ends in a bed: life engagingly turned upside down.
Bob Verini – Variety

SWEET
Still, The House of the Rising Son – a great title, as you’ll realize when you learn more about the plot — is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally moving, with lovely lyrical moments as well as audacious jump cuts. Director Michael Michetti has marshaled some superb performances. I saw Rod Menzies in the role of the oldest member of Trent’s New Orleans family; that role is double cast, with Nicholas Hormann as well as Menzies.
Don Shirley – LA Stage Watch

SWEET
The discomfort that the hegemonic heterosexual community may experience in seeing this play comes directly from limbic reactions that those of us stuck in our early impressionable experiences must overcome. In her program notes, Artistic Director, Gates McFadden, says, “We might find out the thing we fear is simply different and not harmful. Evolution takes time. This play might help us to nudge forward a bit.” Certainly, Tom Jacobson has the chops to help move things along.
Michael Sheehan – OnStageLosAngeles

SWEET
This thinking man’s play interweaves science, gay marriage, the supernatural, and generational differences. The set by Richard Hoover was superb. It is highly recommended you see the show at least twice.
Andrew Holinsky – The Alternative

SWEET
Richard Hoover’s evocatively decaying set, Jeremy Pivnick’s spooky lighting, and Bruno Louchouarn’s original music and sound give this New Orleans mansion the feel of a haunted house, which in a very real sense it is. The cast is superb, particularly Menzies as the savagely sardonic Bowen, whose offbeat aphorisms garner the biggest laughs of the show. As for director Michael Michetti, he’s the perfect guide for Jacobson’s carnival fun “House” of a play -– and a ghostly, entertaining tour it is.
F. Kathleen Foley – LA Times

SWEET
Under Michael Michetti’s direction, Menzies is particularly fine as the wry and cantankerous dying patriarch. As his son, Hurley contains a genteel and gentle Southern swagger that’s as endearing as it is wise. Witten and Coombs also have a rapport that sparks.
Steven Leigh Morris – LA Weekly

SWEET
Possibly Jacobson’s finest work to date, this sinfully rich concoction is the theatrical equivalent of a multicourse gourmet meal.
Les Spindle – Backstage

SWEET
The acting, the direction, the design is first rate across the board. In his portrayal of the Southern grandfather, Rod Menzies seems to pull off the rather astonishing trick of forging a stereotype that is at the same time totally his own invention. It’s a marvelous bit of work. Witten, Coombs and Hurley are all absolutely superb – both in their primary and cameo roles. Michael Michettti’s direction is nigh on flawless; , he is aided immensely by a superb design team including Richard Hoover (sets) Jeremy Pivnick (lighting) and Christina Haatainen Jones (costumes).
Trevor Thomas – EdgeLosAngeles

SWEET
Tom Jacobson’s incalculably and exceptionally well written new play, House of the Rising Son, is playing at Atwater Village Theatre. This Ensemble Studio Theatre Los Angeles production leaves no room for critical complaint through strong un-cliched performances, fluid direction, and an atmospheric set. Jacobson’s play gushes with carefully constructed surprises that inevitably draw audible gasps from the audience.
Mialka Bonadonna-Morano – LAist

SWEET
Running concurrently with (and right next door to) the playwright’s simultaneously World-Premiering The Chinese Massacre (Annotated), The House Of The Rising son further cements Jacobson’s reputation as one of our finest L.A. talents, as it does those of its formidable director Michael Michetti, its all-around terrific cast of actors, and its sensational team of designers.
Steven Stanley – StageSceneLA

SWEET
The evolution of the play from a lecture by a young scientist on the virtue of parasites which proves sexually arousing to a young member of his audience to its final unexpected bedroom foursome is dizzying and rich with possibilities. If not all of these possibilities contain what might be considered external logic, there is no denying, as the pieces come together, that there is always an internal logic to Jacobson’s bountifully brilliant plan, which is mind-bending.
Harvey Perr – Stage and Cinema

SWEET
With a daring script, innovative directing and an ensemble with some serious acting chops, the Ensemble Studio Theatre has showcased the perfect project to push the boundaries of any conventional production in its inaugural season.
Candice Aman – Neon Tommy

BITTER
Tom Jacobson’s seditious Gothic romance holds rewards for those who can get past the off-putting language and, at times, extreme subject matter.
Pauline Adamek – ArtsBeatLA

SWEET
Suffice it to say that the author of Bunbury, Ouroboros and last year’s The Twentieth-Century Way has concocted an entertaining examination of the role of same-sex relationships in human history that is given a sparkling production by director Michael Michetti and Ensemble Studio Theatre L.A. at the well-appointed and welcoming new Atwater Village Theatre.
Christopher Cappiello – Frontiers

SWEET
Director Michael Michetti masterfully sustains the impact of this outrageous tale, one in which we end up learning a whole, new, scientific theory of why homosexuality is proliferating. Well worth a visit to this charming but not easily found, venue.
Ingrid Wilmot – Will Call

SWEET
This is difficult material and Michetti guides his talented cast through the maze that is this story. The performances are first rate. The play stars Steve Combs, Nicholas Hormann, Patrick John Hurley, and Paul Witten. Hormann has stepped in for actor Rod Menzies who originated the role of the patriarch. Why, you might ask would and actor of Hormann’s experience and skill be willing to be a replacement. Well it is a brilliant role and Hormann is brilliant in it. Every gesture, every eye movement, every slight change in emotional direction, he is there and delivers a masterful performance. House of the Rising Son plays at Atwater Village Theatre until June 12th. GO see this!!!
Robert Machray – Stagehappenings

HOUSE OF THE RISING SON
Ensemble Studio Theatre-LA
Atwater Village Theatre
3269 Casitas Ave., LA.
Thur-Sat 8 pm; Sun 2 pm. EXTENDED THROUGH JUNE 12, 2011
Tickets: 323-644-1929; $25 top
Running time: 2 hours, 10 min