Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"..."Jamaica Farewell," the very appealing new solo show at the Royal George Theatre, is the first-person story of one beautiful, young and ambitious Jamaican woman who had the challenge of coming of age at that very moment of intense Jamaican turmoil, and who wanted very much to go to America. The story of Debra Ehrhardt is hardly unique, but it is told with a certain self-deprecating panache as she describes her romantic liaison with a CIA agent, which leads her to figure out a way to smuggle off the island both large amounts of cash and, of course, herself."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Ehrhardt's savvy, ebullient, happily "embroidered" tale - now at the Royal George Theatre by way of producer Hershey Felder and director Joel Zwick - is a slightly more elaborate version of the show she tried out several years ago at Chicago's Chopin Theatre. Since then, Ehrhardt - a wonderfully expressive actress capable of rapid-fire shifts in voice, body language and characterization - has toured widely with it, and is penning a possible film version. But this is a quintessential theatrical odyssey, and I doubt anyone will be able to tell conjure it quite like the woman who lived it. To be sure, once you've heard Ehrhardt's story it's a good bet you won't forget it."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Poverty and social disruption turned that fascination into a desperate longing by the time she was 18. So when she saw a chance to go north she took it—even if that involved committing a felony or two. Worse comes to worst, Ehrhardt will be very popular in prison. She's energetic and ingratiating, and she's got a helluva 90-minute yarn to tell. But her acting skills are rudimentary, her script too narrowly self-centered to make good use of a rich political and cultural context."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...The playbill claims that a film adaptation of Debra Ehrhardt's solo show is under way, but no amount of scenic embellishment could possibly create images more vivid than those conjured by the author as she deftly switches voices and stances to depict a dazzling variety of personalities befitting a journey of no return. By the time her resolution is rewarded by successful completion of her mission ( dispensing with the contraband hidden in the suitcase carried unobstructed through customs by the chivalrous and unsuspecting Jack ), so emotionally engaged have we become that spontaneous cheers broke out in the house on opening night. You go, girl!"
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...Joel Zwick (who directed My Big Fat Greek Wedding) puts the still-young, 53-year-old Ehrhardt through some passionate paces. With a beguiling baby voice and the most hopeful face to grace a stage, she makes this Farewell performance a delicious and delightful self-exodus. In the patriotic finale on the hibiscus-laden stage, this immigrant’s triumphant arrival in America speaks for many more delivered dreams."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...This autobiographical one-person play is an intense journey filled with problems and roadblocks that would test the determination of an immigrant to strive for a better life in a modern affluent country as we are witnessing in Europe with the flood of refugees form the Middle East."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"... When one sees the name Hershey Felder connected to a production, one can safely assume that they are in for something special. While most of his works, one person shows, are musical in nature, the current production, now on the stage of The Royal George Theatre, “Jamaica Farewell” is not, but who cares? The play (90 uninterrupted minutes) is the playwright’s story of her escape from revolution-torn Jamaica. Written by and starring Debra Ehrhardt and skillfully directed by Joel Zwick (who brought “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” to film), this is a story, that while filled with topics that can be scary, is filled with laughter and glee."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...Ehrhardt immerses herself so completely into the show that the spectator might not recognize that this is a stamina-testing vehicle for the actress. Ehrhardt is not only on stage for 90 continuous minutes but she frequently has to shift gears emotionally and get very physical in her movements. Director Joel Zwick has orchestrated her performance to keep the energy level constant and the mood shifts effective. The production never sags, a claim that can’t be made for many one-person shows. With her multiple acting skills and universal good looks, Ehrhardt’s career should flourish after she decides to depart from her current star vehicle."