"Over the past few years the folks at Ka-Tet have mounted terrific shows. Their latest show, Side Man, may be their best work yet. Director Richard Stockton Rand and the creatives at Ka-Tet have mounted a hauntingly powerful drama that vividly depicts a long-lost way of life. Fabulous acting and deft staging make this marvelous play one of the best works mounted in Chicago this year! Don't miss it. (Highly Recommended)"

~ Tom Williams, Chicago Critic

"Richard Stockton Rand's perfect-pitch staging captures every note...I don't want to call the work – or play – of Ka-Tet's ensemble acting. That's a term you can use only after it's over. (Highly Recommended)"

~ Lawrence Bommer

"Side Man was a beautiful production, both visually and emotionally."

~ Kaylee Holt, Chicago Theater Review

"I saw a really good play done by Ka-Tet Theatre…very strong chemistry and high quality acting…Big compliment to Mr. Rand who puts this all together and makes it such a crisp piece."

~ Theatre Talk with Tim McGuire

"The production was very tight and well-rehearsed. The entire ensemble owned the stage truthfully. Acting psychology was one of the great delights of the evening. The actors could easily have fallen into one-dimensional characterizations and "sketch" acting. Instead, the ensemble mined the depths of the character relationships, backstories, and psychologies and articulated this work in their very dimensional performances. The ensemble was appropriately energized and stageworthy. The stylistic balance and counterpoint between realism and surrealism was particularly noteworthy. This was an outstanding production of a good play, made better by a strong concept, cohesively and imaginatively designed and very well performed."

~ Lee Orchard, Chair, Valparaiso University, KCACTF Respondent

"Rand's expertise lies in helping young actors craft interesting, unique and believable characters and his troupe shines as brightly as the stars in the "Almost, Maine" sky. Bravo to all!"

~ Kathy Matter, Lafayette Journal & Courier

"Road is a most engaging show filled with strong character acting, innovative staging filled with excellent lower class British accents. I have not witnessed a finer ensemble piece in many a year. Director Richard Stockton Rand has energized his cast giving them permission to play their vignettes all out. The result is a most truthful and energetic look into the dark world of the disenfranchised. You'll be amazed at the acting presented here. How often can you see 12 skilled actors each fully enshrining their characters? You'll enjoy your 2 hours and 25 minutes in the dreary world of Lancashire's alienated people. The ensemble work here is first class. Ka-Tet Theatre is off to an excellent start. Highly Recommended"

~ Tom Williams

"For its debut, Ka-Tet sports a fine ensemble of 12 mostly young actors playing 27 major and minor roles, throwing themselves with deep commitment and great comic ability into director Richard Stockton Rand's rapid and highly physical staging. In the tiny and dark storefront space, Rand creates most effective tableaux utilizing the theater's depth all the way into the back alley. Ka-Tet probably is unaware of the legendary 1987 Chicago premiere of Road, directed by Robert Falls for Remains Theatre ( staged one block from Ka-Tet ) . Most Ka-Tet kids would have been two years old, but it's just as well. They make Road their own, and put themselves on the Chicago theatrical road map."

~ Jonathan Arbanel, Windy City Times

"Directing Ka-Tet Theatre's debut, Richard Stockton Rand shows how inventive staging can transform a tiny storefront into a world..."

~ Justin Hayford, The Reader

"Road is a very impressive and surprising work. I had no idea this company was so brilliant. I look forward to watching them flourish in the upcoming season. Road is a brilliant start for their season."

~ Ruth Smerling, Theatreworld Internet Magazine

“A Story About a Girl is strongly directed…To see a new play, so satisfyingly presented, is a rare treat. Purdue is to be thanked as well as congratulated.”

~ KCACTF state representative, Professor Elliot Wasserman, University of Southern Indiana

“This is one of the most effective and powerful theater experiences I have seen in twenty years. The work was ‘ensemble’ in all of the positive aspects of the word, including designers, technicians, even extending to house management in creating THIS world of THIS play. It appears that the director’s clear vision invited creative contribution all around. Thank you for this important work.”

~ KCACTF Respondent, Dr. Tim Good, DePauw University

“The strength of Rand’s final moment, which is also the show’s final moment… leaves an impact that the audience cannot forget.”

~ Kathy Matter, Lafayette Journal & Courier

“This was a splendid production. The director did a masterful job of developing his ensemble and choreographing its movement. I have sincere admiration for the artistic leadership of Richard Stockton Rand…and I congratulate the entire Purdue Theatre on this grand effort.” ~ KCACTF Respondent, Prof John Steven Paul, Valparaiso University

“One of the finest productions I have seen at Purdue Theatre over the last forty-five years.”

~ Dick Jaeger, The Lafayette Leader

“Rand has assembled an outstanding cast and imbued them with the spirit…the play is a grabber from start to finish.”

~ Dick Jaeger, The Lafayette Leader

“Richard Stockton Rand set the laugh track to go off at 8:07 and it kept running until about 10:15. And there was precious little time when the audience wasn’t doubled over with the laughter, the result of an excellent cast and some cagey, exuberant direction…It was a treat from startling starting point to the funny finish.”

~ Dick Jaeger, The Lafayette Leader

“Richard Stockton Rand directed this thought-provoking production with insight and sensitivity.”

~ Dick Jaeger, The Lafayette Leader