Okay, Bye at Steppenwolf Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...But I'm not sure Conkel has fully sussed out how to balance the undeniably manipulative act of a suicide threat (especially one from a character like Meg, who, as played by Phillips, makes us fall in love with her) as a dramatic device, without making the audience feel that they are themselves being manipulated by the incendiary premise. To his credit, though, Conkel treats his characters with respect and compassion - a trait he has in common with his fellow First Look scribes."

Windy City Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...Joshua Conkel's Okay, Bye begins at an AA meeting where former high school classmates Jenny and Megan reunite unexpectedly. The latter discloses her plan to euthanize herself with the aid of an over-the-counter device sold in pharmacies for that very purpose-a declaration rendering her credibility immediately suspect, but serving nonetheless as a premise for arguments regarding her avowed intent. Brenda Barrie and Lara Phillips grapple with their patently artificial dialogue, valiantly generating suspense sufficient to prevent our tuning out before an epilogue hints that the struggling BFFs' necrophile fantasy might be a morale-bolstering rite invoked to reaffirm their rejection of less desirable alternatives."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...The play is littered with wonderful witticisms, cultural anecdotes, and spits in the face of our societal depression. It is a brave piece that goes to dark places that I felt like many audience members had been, or knew someone who had been. At 90 minutes, it's intimacy and immediacy was perfectly suited to the garage space. The unpacked apartment feel of the set by Chelsea Warren lends itself it to the transient nature of the play. The direction by Margot Bordelon is truly inspired. She creates a sensitive view to this world, but there is clearly no room for precious indulgence. Get in, or get out."