Artistic director David Ellenstein, who also directs the play, has mounted a luxuriously cast and beautifully designed staging worthy of the premiere. James Sutorius, is superb as André. His mercurial performance whirls fluidly between bouts of melancholy, calm, charm, fury, paranoia and fear. The physical production is exceptional. Marty Burnett’s ever-transforming set, painted a rich Parisian blue, is ingenious in its design.
- Pam Kragen, San Diego Union~Tribune
A compelling story
- Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal, The Village News
NCRT's powerfully written tragic/comedy production "The Father", is sensitively directed by David Ellenstein, and intelligently performed by a remarkable cast, with the icing on the cake being a star-turn performance from journeyman actor James Sutorius, as the father.
- Jack Lyons, Desert Local news
You must see The Father! … I saw it in London and were spellbound and hoped very much that one of our San Diego theatres would produce it. Thank you, David Ellenstein! In many ways, the NCRT’s version outshone the award-winning London production. The play is quite brilliant. Get your tickets now!
- Jenni Prisk, Reviewer
Ellenstein has done a marvelous job with his exceptional cast. Do make a point to catch this one. I’m giving it 2 thumbs up.
- Carol Davis, critic
The Father -- intense and impressive performances
- Diana Saenger, East County Gazette
The play itself is a piece of literature to be admired. But a great play is nothing without great actors to carry it. Or a divine director to bring that greatness out. The Father is a play that knows exactly when to be funny and when to be serious, with actors that know the power of spoken word and of silence, and a director who knows exactly how far to push the envelope. I left the theater wishing with all of my might that I could think of something to critique. I was promised something deeply profound, tragically humorous and emotionally rigorous that I wouldn’t be able to shut up about. I got exactly what was promised. Don’t miss this show.
- Cori Wilbur, Vanguard Culture
The Father is funny, moving, provocative, poignant, heart wrenching, beautifully scripted, and superbly acted, in short, a modern-day theater masterpiece. This production is a perfect example of what repertory theater should strive to be. Kudos to all associated with this production. It is a stunning work you don’t want to miss.
- Lu Magdaleno, ArtRocks247
Excellent
- Jeffrey Smith, San Diego Reader
Fortunately for us, North Coast Repertory Theatre has snagged the West coast premiere of “The Father,” and director David Ellenstein has done a marvelous job of bringing it to light, keeping it moving at a clip and engaging us with alternating laughter and distress. Ellenstein has cast a superb ensemble, helmed by the magnificent James Sutorius. He captures an expansive range of emotions, and there isn’t a false note in his performance, which is chillingly real… it’s a deep, powerful, thought-provoking and rewarding one.
- Pat Launer, Times of San Diego
