“The ending is gripping in the most heartbreaking way, as Councell does a beautiful job capturing the pain, disappointment, and inner turmoil as she wrestles with the values she tried to instill in Peter and the unshakeable love she must feel for her son regardless.” By Angela Lin, Nov 11
PLAYREGIONALNOW PLAYING
Year One
The Greenhouse Theater Center, Chicago, IL
Opened Nov 12, 2026 · Closes Nov 22, 2026
Regional production: tracked as a buzzy, well-reviewed show that could transfer to Broadway.
4 Positive
1 Mixed
1 Negative
Critics' Take coming soon.
Critic Scorecard
6 reviews4 Positive
1 Mixed
1 Negative
Sort:
Weighted by outlet tier · Counts
- Tier 1: 100%
- Tier 2: 75%
- Tier 3: 40%
- Tier 4: 20%
“At the beginning of Chicago writer Erik Gernand’s drama Year One , small-town doctor Anna delivers a monologue about helping a patient with appendicitis onto the table. The man asks her, ‘Are you one of them? I won’t let some vermin touch me.’” By Kerry Reid, Nov 13
“Smartly directed by Enrico Spada , Year One uses historical events as an allegory for our current political climate.” By C.J. Fernandes, Nov 12
“The cast of five is quite capable with strong performances by Pavlovich and Copeland as the young couple.” By Nancy S. Bishop, Nov 10
“But an allegory dedicated to a moral message wherein a looming villain never appears leaves Gernand's characters flat and insubstantial compared to the size of the portentous evil always overshadowing them.” By Kyle A. Thomas, Nov 12
