Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...But this one is for you if you find the major theaters too, whatever, and crave politically incorrect Chicago bar talk of deuces and jazz joints, cross-eyed wiseguys and the Edgewater Beach Hotel. In that case, "Chops," and these actors with chops, more than have you covered. Go the whole retro hog. Have a good steak for dinner first."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Rychlewski is a stylish writer, and even if “Chops” can feel a bit too contrived at times, director Richard Shavzin’s stellar cast is superb."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Michael Rychlewski's 90-minute one-act is full of vintage Rush Street misogyny and bloviation as well as gobs of colorful stories, but it lacks a viable plot and adequate character differentiation (Walt and Philly are nearly indistinguishable), and the twist ending is difficult to track. Under Richard Shavzin's workmanlike direction, Dashnight Productions' opening night felt cautious and underrehearsed."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...None of this would be possible without the superlative ensemble acting that is also Chicago's hallmark. Anchoring the action under Richard Shavzin's deft direction are veteran hard-guys Larry Neumann, Jr. and Randy Steinmeyer ( the latter of whom is no slouch at swing dancing, either ) in the roles of the cautious Vince and shrewd Walt, while Clare Cooney's Kaki oozes sleek sensuality and Daniel Patrick Sullivan's Philly displays just the right level of nervous sweat. Hobbyist writers often get a bad rap, but if Rychlewski has more plays like this one, he can look forward to a second career after collecting his pension."
Chicagoist - Highly Recommended
"...If you'd like a peek into old school Chicago, don't miss CHOPS at Theater Wit (1229 W. Belmont Ave.). The world premiere play is set in 1984 and follows three semi-crooked old friends swapping stories about the glory days of Rush Street jazz clubs in the '50s and '60s."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Chops is a winner on many levels. It is a nostalgic remembrance of the Rush Street night club era as well as a clever con plot to gain cash. Randy Steinmeyer and Daniel Patrick Sullivan have a terrific stage rivalry with Larry Neumann, Jr. contributing passive stability. These outstanding actors, under Richard Shavzin's tight direction, make this 88 minute one-act zing along. You'll be engrossed into the world of jazz and conmen as the glimpse into a lost era finds these guys trapped into to who they are. This show is a treat."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The time is 1984. The place is a small neighborhood bar in Chicago. The play is called “Chops” and right now, it’s world premiere is taking place at Theater Wit on stage one. Written by Chicago playwright Michael Rychlewski, and smoothly directed by Richard Shavzin, this is the story of three aging “Rush Street” guys, who recall their glory days on the Rush street scene back in the 1960’s, despite their lives going in different directions. Vince ( a magical portrayal by Larry Neumann, Jr.) is the proprietor of this bar, and as the show opens ( there is no curtain, and as we enter the theater, Neumann is cleaning up, checking his drawer and stock, as if he were truly running a bar). A former Rush Street barkeeper, he is one that hears it all, and remembers most of it."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Michael Rychlewski’s play is quite captivating. Richard Shavzin directs this drama, filled with recognizable Chicago flavor and a tension that continuously builds, creating an almost sinister atmosphere. Four desperate characters mix with the ghosts from the past, as well as stories and anecdotes from years of living on the edge, all mixed within 90 minutes of booze and banter. Together they create an entertaining drama that’s truly Chicago."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...Right out of the gate CHOPS is a winner - in performances, production and script. Playwright Michael Rychlewski captures that ineffable quintessence of Chicago-ese as his three remnants of the 1950s and '60s glory days of Rush Street wash ashore at Vince's bar."
Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended
"...Chops has a lot of potential, and despite 36 drafts of the script (according to the show’s program), said potential is never fully realized. Fortunately, the three male actors are accomplished enough to direct themselves, resulting in intense, character-driven performances, and the brilliant set places the audience right in the center of the action."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Recommended
"...Can't say it with a capital 'G' at this point, nor can I speak for America, but Chops is a great glimpse not only of a lost Chicago, but of lost folks who think they've seen it all, but, hoo boy, don't know the half of it. And seen through a shot glass, darkly."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The rivalry for Kaki’s attention that ensues culminates in the absurd, utterly absorbing bravado of a storytelling match, which only distills the overall exhibition of masculine pageantry that ornaments the pulse and retreat of the woman in the red dress, who goes to “freshen up” so many times that a speakeasy secret passage in the basement must be devised to get her offstage. Though juvenile and contrived in story and character, the success of a story is not in its parts but in its telling, which here is done with verve."
