“Narratively slight and at least a little nutty, this piece is deft in form and nifty in presentation…The production tantalizes with, rather than delivers on, its theme…It ends at least a scene too soon…Under Nel Crouch’s direction, these three performers act, score and narrate with scientific precision and obvious warmth. It’s very likely that you don’t believe in the Loch Ness monster and you may not believe in ‘Fossils.’ But you should have faith in these actors.”
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"This is a show like no other. It has an intriguing plot that is conveyed with clever staging and ingenious storytelling devices. Performed in an intimate theatre space, it mesmerizes the audience from the first minute to the last...The cast is ideal in their roles...Special touches make this show pop...The musical effects with live electronic sound help to bring the mood of the show to life...A truly fascinating show. You will be thinking about it long after the curtain call."
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“A tight, cohesive ensemble…It's all very clever, but, as ‘Fossils’ goes on, it's hard to escape the feeling that the members of the company are more interested in their storytelling method than in the story they have to tell. This seems especially so in the last fifteen minutes or so, which, frankly, are hard to follow...Thus, a piece that begins on an engaging note gradually loses interest…The work of some very talented young people who need to hone their narrative skills.”
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“Though the printed script, such as it is, is credited to Nel Crouch, she is listed in the program as only the director, and ‘Fossils’ is rather ‘by’ Bucket Club, described as an ‘associate company.’ Such confusion is perpetrated throughout the production: it's hard to say if, in the end of this extremely low-tech presentation, Vanessa has actually encountered the Monster—and/or her father—or not. ‘Fossils’ is apparently more about what doesn't happen than what does.”
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"An enthralling, one-of-a-kind production...The performers all have terrific chemistry, playing off one another with ease, and imbuing humor into each line and gesture...There are loads of clever storytelling devices and jokes that build upon the show's themes, making this the sort of the show you would probably have to see twice in order to catch everything...All of this makes 'Fossils' the sort of innovative, knock-you-off-your-seat show you hope to chance upon."
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“Although 'Fossils' doesn't seem to have been created as devised theatre, it uses similar directorial touches whereby minimalist techniques using found objects help create a large world on a small budget…There's nothing especially new in this kind of staging but it has a certain charm…Vinten, Farrell, and Ridley succeed in keeping us involved in Crouch's slight, quirky piece, their occasional infusions of dry humor and music leavening the atmosphere.”
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“One of the great virtues of devised work is company chemistry, and Vinten, Farrell, and Murphy have it in spades...They clearly relish the work and take pleasure in one another’s presence…The music is just about perfect…If only there were a more interesting story to hang it all on. Crouch keeps things moving at a nice clip, and the play demonstrates a thorough understanding of academic life (despite its hackneyed character types), but the play putters to an unsatisfying non-ending.”
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"A compelling hour of theatrical storytelling that is as fully dramatic, mysterious, and tender as you could ever hope to see...Ingeniously directed by Nel Crouch...The lovingly told story is a beautiful blend of brains and heart. Without much more than some simple plastic toy dinosaurs, the three very talented cast members bring everything to commanding life for a marvelous hour of theater."
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