"A strange, witty, occasionally confounding, and often wonderful mix of eccentricities defines the Spence, the year’s most anticipated opening. Its name carries an unofficial subtitle: “The restaurant where Richard Blais finally returns to the kitchen.” The first bit of idiosyncrasy is evident before you even enter the place. On the corner of Fifth and Spring streets, in front of the congested valet stand, sits a small wooden planter holding an overflow of herbs and flowers, with a chalkboard at the top that has “The SPENCE” written in neat, steady penmanship. It recalls a sign beckoning guests to a country bed-and-breakfast. But if it puts you in the mind-set of cottages and farmlands for a moment, the techno thumpity-thump vibrating in the restaurant’s door handle brings you right back to Atlanta."
— Bill Addison, The Spence Gets Two Stars
"The director explains, “All of Charity’s boyfriends, normally played by four actors, are played by Trent Blanton [another former Atlantan]. Doing that reveals that people do have a ‘type’ while dating, even though they don’t realize it.” Daniels also gave dozens of one-line speaking parts, normally shared by an ensemble, to one actor."
— Curt Holman on how the Dad’s Garage cofounder will reinterpret Sweet Charity at Aurora Theatre
