Washington Post
- Somewhat Recommended
"...But even with the foundational acting blocks in place, “A Time to Kill” doesn’t percolate sufficiently to distinguish itself in a crowded genre. Backed by some New York money, Arena’s production is meant in part to be a test of whether the play can run elsewhere, possibly in a commercial setting. That seems to be a stretch. Unless, of course, some big stars could be lassoed. Hmm. I wonder what McConaughey, Bullock and Spacey are up to?"
Washington Examiner
- Highly Recommended
"...John Grisham's novel "A Time To Kill" is a brilliant legal thriller, so it stands to reason that a well-done dramatization would be equally brilliant, equally thrilling. Rupert Holmes' adaptation, at Arena Stage, doesn't disappoint."
Baltimore Sun
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The final verdict on this highly-charged courtroom drama is mixed. It is impossible to miss the craftsmanship of the writing, acting and direction. It would take considerable effort not to be caught up in the story of Carl Lee Hailey, a black man in Mississippi who shoots dead the two men accused of raping his 10-year-old daughter as they are being led from a courtroom; he then faces a murder trial."
Talkin Broadway
- Recommended
"...In other words, this is comfort-food theater of a high order. The issues are clear-cut, the heroes and villains are obvious, and things work themselves out without too many unexpected twists—and it's all done at a very polished level."
Washingtonian
- Somewhat Recommended
"...It’s hard to ascertain whether the performances are so flat because this is an extraordinarily plot-driven play (with character development left by the wayside) or whether the actors themselves are to blame. Regardless, the end result is frustrating. Sebastian Arcelus is unconvincing as Hailey’s high-minded attorney, Jake Brigance—he has the requisite Matthew McConaughey hair, but not much else with which to stand out, and an almost-liaison with cub attorney Ellen Roark (Rosie Benton) comes so far out of left field that it’s almost laughable. You can understand why Holmes left nuggets like this in from the book, but without time to explain them or set them in context, they’re baffling. Brigance might be vain, but his instant shift from stolidly loyal husband to wannabe adulterer is such a 180 that it feels ludicrous."
TheaterMania
- Recommended
"...Director Ethan McSweeny's pacing is energetic and the show's two-and-a-half-hour running time passes quickly. Evocative music, rapid scenic changes utilizing James Noone's turntable set, and startling lighting effects create a film-like ambiance. Actors often climb onto the Kreeger's thrust stage from the audience, and lawyers often face us in the courtroom, putting us in the role of jury."
MD Theatre Guide
- Highly Recommended
"...Here’s my verdict. A Time to Kill is a raw and riveting drama that sears with redemptive emotion. It is a tremendous hit for Arena that should send this production straight to Broadway."
DCTheatreScene
- Recommended
Arena Stage’s world premiere production of Rupert Holmes’ A Time to Kill is, in turn, funny, shocking, witty, and sly. It’s based on John Grisham’s breakthrough law-and-order novel and clearly conscious of its well-received 1996 film version starring Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, and Samuel L. Jackson.
