Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Under Cameron Turner's laissez-faire direction, the trio of actors in Dead Writers Theatre's handsomely designed production spend most of their hesitant, imprecise first act sinking, waterlogging Coward's wit as they go. With the exception of Joanna Riopelle's careful, introspective take on "If Love Were All," it's not until Ian Rigg's exacting rendition of "In a Bar on the Piccola Marina" midway through act two that everything falls into place. It's a bit late."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Not all is perfection on this small and busy stage. Sometimes musical director Gerald H. Bailey's piano accompaniment overwhelms the lyrics, all too easily when the singers project as if they're in a parlor, not a theater. And at least two and a half numbers are spoken rather than sung, a curious transformation at best. Anyway a bit more bravura will solve this audibility liability, and, in any case, there's no concealing the Coward charm, a marvel of tact, tears, and torch songs that's as irresistible as a blithe spirit could deliver."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...Joanna Riopelle has her moments in "London Pride," " If Love Were All," and "Nina." (Just project more!)Michael Pacas, ever the British gentleman, nicely nails tune like "Why Do the Wrong people Travel," "This is a Changing World" and "You Were There." But, newbie Ian Rigg was most impressive here. He seemed to be channeling Noel Coward with his edge of style, his gestures and his speech patterns. Riggs demonstrated a razor-sharp wit and comic aplomb in "Let's Say Goodbye," " Mad Dogs and Englishman" "and "Mad About the Boy." The three-part work by this fine cast landed favorites like the musical ditties-"Chase Me, Charlie, " What Ho, Mrs. Brisket" and 'Has Anybody Seen Our Ship?" The classic Coward songs-"Mrs. Worthington" and "I Went to a Marvelous Party" highlighted this revue.Once Joanna Riopelle realizes that she holds the key to make this challenging revue go from a nice show to a terrific one-it will become 'Marvelous Party.'"
Around The Town Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...I wondered what the typical contemporary audience would have thought of it. I would have enjoyed it much better had I been dressed like the woman onstage and had the theater been a cabaret as well. As the performance was light, ribald and alcohol-flavored, so we might have been."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...A production of Noel Coward's music hasn't been seen in Chicago for quite a while, and makes a welcome offering, as the summer winds down. Eric Luchen once again weaves his scenic magic, creating a beautiful set that includes a second level, with a staircase that descends down to the stage level, a gorgeous set of sliding doors, up center, painted with Art Deco design, and a baby grand piano that dominates the entire room. Costumer Patti Roeder has designed two distinct looks for each actor, all authentically period. She opens with a casual, tweedy English country approach for Act I and then ops for more proper, stylish formalwear in Act II. Unfortunately Aaron Lorenz's luminary design isn't nearly as creative, striving to merely wash the stage with light. In attempting this, Lorenz often leaves many areas in darkness and allows unnecessary shadows to fall across the actors' faces. Still, taken as a whole, this is an engaging, entertaining evening of words and music, created by a master of the art whom audiences will certainly enjoy and applaud."
NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...Does this mean that "Oh, Coward!" isn't worth seeing? Not at all. The show accomplishes a great feat by bringing even a watered down version of this artist back into the public consciousness. Coward's song work demonstrates that political incorrectness can be an art form and a relatively progressive one at that."
