HotCity Theatre Company
A 17-year-old boy commits an act of violence so bizarre and savage that he must be seriously disturbed. But can a psychiatrist help such a sick patient - particularly a psychiatrist tormented by doubts about both his work and his private life? That, in a nutshell, is the story of "Equus," the dazzling psychodrama that won the Tony for best play in 1975. That's a generation ago; since then, psychiatry and treatment methods have changed a great deal. But "Equus" isn't a disease-of-the-week movie. Under Doug Finlayson's direction at HotCity Theatre, Peter Shaffer's drama asserts the theatricality and tension that made it a sensation 35 years ago. ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH
If you only know about HotCity Theatre because of their dedication to producing new and original works by some of the most talented and unknown playwrights around, then you should also know how adept they are at staging revivals of edgy and provocative modern classics. This season they've chosen Peter Shaffer's taut masterpiece from 1973, Equus. And, they've delivered an intense, disturbing and brilliant production that's powered by sharp direction and exceptional performances. Doug Finlayson's direction is nicely conceived and executed, and his cast delivers solidly across the board. BROADWAYWORLD.COM
From junior colleges to the recent (and controversial) revival with Daniel Radcliffe as the boy who blinds horses, it’s seemingly always onstage. But somehow I missed it. Opening night at HotCity remedied that egregious omission, and should I ever see it again, I don’t expect I’ll find a better production of this fascinating play. Doug Finlayson has masterfully directed a near-note perfect cast. THE VITAL VOICE
Gods are all-seeing. Gods can condemn. Would you blind your god if you could? This presentation of Peter Shaffer's play is quite simply the finest evening of theatre that I've been privileged to see in a number of years. In 1975 Equus won the Tony and Drama Critics Circle awards. In this play Shaffer gives full rein to his particularly keen senses of the visual and the aural. The HotCity production has beautiful support from its designers—Michael Sullivan (lighting), Robin Weatherall (sound) and Felia Davenport (costumes)—and from dialect coach Julie Foh. All in all it gorgeously fulfills Shaffer's concept. But to bring such talent together and to draw such perfection from each and every member of the team takes a most exceptional director, and here that exceptional person is Doug Finlayson. KDHX
Director Doug Finlayson has mounted an outstanding production of Shaffer’s mesmerizing story in this HotCity Theatre presentation. Everything works in Finlayson’s interpretation, making “Equus” a sizzling sensation and a riveting, thought-provoking examination of individual needs and desires within the confined structure of a societal framework. Finlayson’s pacing is as sure and calibrated as the steady trot of a trusty steed. LADUE NEWS
Why did Alan Strang take a spike and blind six horses? Peter Shaffer 's mystery-drama about a boy's quest for a personal god and the psychiatrist who must stifle that quest receives a thoughtful, at times breathlessly exhilarating, production from HotCity Theatre. Director Doug Finlayson exploits all the tools at his disposal to weave an evening of encompassing theatricality. RIVERFRONT TIMES