Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Griffin -- now a Broadway director but laudably willing to work for the theater that gave him his break -- stages some strong interpersonal scenes and, with the help of choreographer Tammy Mader, a hilarious spoof of a 35-year-old retuning to dance class. Continuing this theater's new commitment to upgraded productions, this is quite the spectacular affair from designer Brian Sidney Bembridge, replete with interiors, exteriors, streetscapes and a revolving set."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Now, at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace Theatre, director Gary Griffin (who staged "The Color Purple") has applied his signature revival formula to the show. He has cast Susan Moniz and Bernie Yvon -- a fine pair of singing actors -- in the leads. And he makes sure they play the dramatic scenes for everything they're worth, while letting the musical numbers serve simply as icing on the cake. In fact, Griffin's savvy re-examination of the show -- which these days has an almost touching retro quality about it -- is enough to make you do a genuine double-take."
Daily Herald - Somewhat Recommended
"...The cast includes proven veterans in the leads and a solid supporting ensemble, including a refreshingly low-key Theresa Moen as Paula's wise-beyond-her-pre-teen-years daughter; Cherisse Scott in the redundant role of sassy landlady; and Neil Friedman as the inept director whose ill-conceived "Richard III" nearly ends Elliott's career."
SouthtownStar - Highly Recommended
"...Director Gary Griffin (who directed "The Color Purple") has kept all of Simon's funny zingers but has transformed the show so it's not just a stage sitcom."
Chicago Free Press - Somewhat Recommended
"...Griffin does work wonders with Bernie Yvon’s performance of the often frustrated, yet determined Elliott and his spot-on chorus. Yvon’s personality and charm shines through even when he loses his voice during the musical numbers, which was frequently the case on opening night. Yvon works comic magic during such numbers as “Richard Interred” and “Paula (An Improvised Love Song),” maneuvering his way successfully into the audience’s heart."
EpochTimes - Recommended
"...While the music in this show is not music to remember, the actors in this production are superb- Susan Moniz is a delight as Paula and her voice is as good as ever. Bernie Yvon is always fun to watch and although we could tell that he was having some throat problems on opening night, it did not take away from his solid performance as Elliot. Add to this the delightful Theresa Moen as daughter Lucy and you can see why this show is so much fun (and perfect for family viewing)."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...Susan Moniz and Bernie Yvon do such wonderful work with Moniz’s scorching songs and Yvon’s comic chops and genuine warmth that the Drury Lane production becomes a winning affair. Moniz and Yvon rise above the material with their sheer talent and energy to make The Goodbye Girl into a fun evening of musical comedy."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...Leave it to the intrepid director Gary Griffin and a surprisingly adventurous Drury Lane Oakbrook cast to drag the old musical out of mothballs and once again prove that Chicago artists are unbeatable at turning even second-rate Broadway musicals into first class entertainment."
