In its original productions, Sticks and Bones received mixed reviews from critics. While some found the play to be an original and powerful portrayal of Vietnam-related themes, other critics had problems with the way Rabe juggled the many symbols, themes, and writing styles, arguing that he did not keep all these elements under control.

A critic who liked the play, Douglas Watt of the Daily News writes, "It is a play written out of rage over what Rabe .. considers our widespread complacency about the events in Indochina. But it has not been written La rage. It is, instead, a beautifully controlled and even poetic work of the imagination that becomes almost unbearably moving as it unfolds." While Martin Gottfried of Women's Wear Daily generally praises the play, he has reservations that are shared in principle by many critics. He argues, "The writing is strong enough not...