It’s not hypothetical — PHOTOGRAPH 51 is a hit!
Critics across Chicagoland highly recommend Anna Ziegler’s Photograph 51. Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune awarded the production four stars and wrote that “there is no better 90 minutes in town.” Audiences and critics alike agree that Vanessa Stalling’s production is as powerful as it is empowering. See for yourself what the buzz is about — get tickets to Photograph 51.
“Stalling directs with the pacing of a murder mystery… fascinating. And never dull for a second. If you know a young girl or woman interested in science, there is no better 90 minutes in town. Actually, that’s true for anyone. For the role of Franklin has allowed the actress Chaon Cross to do the best work of her career. If this were a movie, there would be Oscar chatter.“
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, ★★★★ Highly Recommended
“A compelling portrait of scientists as well as of science itself…The combined forces of Arnel Sancianco’s set design, Keith Parham’s lighting design and Paul Deziel’s projections are both understated and…spectacular.”
—Catey Sullivan, Chicago Sun-Times
“Anna Ziegler’s imaginative rendering of an often-overlooked piece of history…vindicates Franklin’s role in this breakthrough discovery. In the hands of leading lady Chaon Cross, the result is a complex heroine with a brilliant mind, a rigorous work ethic, exceptional integrity, and a sensitive soul. ”
—Emily McClanathan, Broadway World Chicago
“Chaon Cross delivers an exhilarating and flawless performance…Photograph 51 is an empowering statement about equality, perseverance and truth. While “the world wins,” the moving and heartfelt performance of Chaon Cross reveals Franklin as a complex, compassionate, driven chemist with an extraordinary thirst for knowledge. Most importantly, as art and science intersect, Rosalind Franklin’s rightful place as a trailblazer is assured.”
“Photograph 51’s spectacular set that reminds of double helices, carbon molecule diagrams, a screen for projected computations, and a fast shot that might be electricity, atoms on the march or just the psychic charge of scientific discovery…The timing in this performance shows an expert touch by director Vanessa Stalling.”
—Amy Munice, Picture this Post, Highly Recommended
“…a biting, emotionally vivid production at Court Theatre – a company whose connection to the University of Chicago (a renowned hotbed of scientific activity and Nobel laureates) only adds a frisson of interest to the story.”
—Hedy Weiss, WTTW’s Chicago Tonight
“Photograph 51 emphasizes the tragedy of not only the stolen ideas from Franklin’s data but also her lack of recognition as an equal or even as a competent human by her colleagues. The Court’s production is a powerful story of the real woman behind one of the greatest accomplishments in biological history.”
“Ziegler’s tight, impressive drama weaves emotion, tension and context into the events leading up to that world-changing discovery and Franklin’s role in it.”
—Lisa Trifone, Third Coast Review
Photo of Chaon Cross by Michael Brosilow.
2 responses on “It’s not hypothetical — PHOTOGRAPH 51 is a hit!”
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Wonderful play and production, acting superb and subject fascinating.
In the program it indicated one could get a more complete version of Derek Matson’s Double Helix Double Standard.
I could not find that on the Blog – can you provide me with the link,
Thank you
Hi James!
Here’s a link to the blog post with Derek’s full piece!
Brent