Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Dawkins needs to make a few cuts, especially in the last scene, which needs to go much faster. He needs a more arresting end to his first act. And I think he needs to get to the main order of business more quickly. But those are minor matters. A fascinating counterpoint to the parade that will pass it by this weekend, “The Homosexuals” is an important new gay play, out of Chicago. This is a chance to see it at the start of what should be a fabulous trajectory."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Dawkins has crafted a smart, funny, poignant, sharply observed, up-to-date take on Crowley’s work — one that reflects both the changing attitudes and abiding issues that confront the men of its title. He also has included one straight woman who serves as something of a mascot (and more) for them."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"... series of vignettes depicts encounters between Evan and each of the somewhat older pals--five gay guys and a self-described fag hag--to whom he looks for guidance on how to function as an urban homosexual. Dawkins's script is peppered with bitchy one-liners and campy humor reminiscent of gay plays such as Terrence McNally's Love! Valour! Compassion!. But he fails to give his characters much individuality or depth. Crisp acting under Bonnie Metzgar's direction adds dimension."
Examiner - Highly Recommended
"...Among the most engaging is Stephen Cone as Michael, the sort of selfless, sweet friend that it’s all too easy to overlook or take for granted. In Cone’s understated, high-impact performance, Michael is the real heartbreaker of The Homosexuals. He may lack the killer abs and killer flirting skills of his peers, but he radiates the sort of genuine goodness that makes you absolutely yearn for his success in matters personal and professional. Alas, he seems destined to be always the Best Friend and never the lover – at least during this 10-year span of time Dakins covers. (One suspects that were Dawkins to write a sequel, things might be different for Michael – he’s the sort of boy you settle down with in your 40s after getting all the shenanigans of your 20s out of your system. ) Making his Chicago debut, Cone delivers the vulnerability, the sadness and the optimism of this lovely young man, and in doing so, establishes himself as an actor to watch."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...An abundance of life-shaping events can occur in a deceptively brief time when you're young—obviously—but the most impressive aspect of this world premiere production is its 30-year-old author's unexpected command of mature reflection articulated in discourse combining witty repartee and solemn insight without a single word wasted on frivolous one-liners or maudlin hankie-grabs (debunking another stereotype in its rejection of the myth that gay audiences only respond to cheap farce or equally cheap melodrama). Under the direction of Bonnie Metzgar, the About Face actors likewise dispense with shopworn mannerisms to deliver smart, sensitive performances delving their personae's every utterance, however small or enigmatic, for subtextual revelation."
Talkin Broadway - Recommended
"...There are a lot of ways one could go with an ambitious play like this and Dawkins has the basis to make a very good play even stronger. Right now, it's a very entertaining and resonant piece that explores some of the uniquenesses of gay life as well its commonalities with everyone else's. Sex is a big part of it, to be sure, and maybe more present or at least more discussed than in straight social circles, but love and friendship trump all that. Director Metzgar achieves a sure, consistent tone (with the one exception already noted) that brings out the genuine humor in Dawkins' script and organic performances by her cast. Opening just after the Tony Awards (which are referenced repeatedly in the script) and gay pride weekend, it's a great summer play for gay men and their friends."
Centerstage - Highly Recommended
"...Andrews’ Evan, who becomes younger and more innocent as the play retrogresses, has a likable young Michael J. Fox quality. The entire ensemble impresses, but Elizabeth Ledo’s Tam, a smart, sassy school teacher and self-proclaimed fag hag, offers some welcome, sarcastic contrasts to Evan’s other friends. But it is Stephen Cone’s sweet, nerdy candy store salesman Michael who’s easily the most endearing member of the group. Cone’s expressive face and body language almost speak louder than his words. making his performance a highlight of a play that should not be missed."
Chicago Stage Review - Highly Recommended
"...You see, searching for love and belonging aren’t merely queer quests. They are universal human needs and Dawkins imagines endearing characters engaged in hilariously intelligent exchanges that illustrate our collective humanity. THE HOMOSEXUALS is the perfect way to celebrate the PRIDE of anyone that strives to connect through love. It is also one of the most entertaining evenings in the theater that you can hope to enjoy. If every one-night-stand was this good, then we would all live happily ever after."
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...The script demonstrates Dawkins’s gift for sparkling repartee: “A catch? No, Evan, I’m a release,” Peter tells his younger lover in an initial breakup scene. He deftly blends urbanely funny exchanges with moments of pathos. The Homosexuals could be a real gem of a play, if two key problems were addressed. First, Dawkins overplays the structure, which is complex but not baffling; he could trust the audience to follow events with less telegraphing. Second, and more significant, as Peter would no doubt agree, the piece needs more drama. At the end, or the beginning, Evan remains a pretty noncommittal observer of his own life: The play has to find ways to force him out of that protective shell."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...The writing and situations are clever, the acting first class and the fast-pace serves the show well. Patrick Andrews and Elizabeth Ledo anchor this truthful and empathetic drama. The Homosexuls is more than a ‘gay play’ – it is a friendship play seen through the lens of sex as many in the group are looking for love in the wrong places. As theatre, The Homosexuals is a smart, realistic and appealing look at contemporary gay life. Philip Dawkins is a talented insightful writer. The Homosexuls is another landmark work about cultural diversity."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...Utterly perfect, the play’s ending brings all seven future friends together again in 2000, with a (temporarily) lonely Evan wondering about the very future we’ve been lucky enough to see and he even more so to live. “The Homosexuals” is sometimes more generous at showcasing the actors than pleasing an audience’s patience. But, given a title this inclusive, why skimp on the storytelling?"
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended
"...I heart the THE HOMOSEXUALS! It's so reminiscent of my own gay entourage... except funnier! My only concern is for The Heterosexuals, especially the tea partying kind. SIDENOTE TO THE STRAIGHTS: Even though a solid romantic relationship is not portrayed as the norm in this play, my experience denies that notion. In fact within my world, the gay couples are beating the straights in monogamy and commitment. THE HOMOSEXUALS get to know them... they're a lovable, fun bunch!"
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...This is an extraordinary production that may open your eyes to a world that you think you know and while I am not sure if there are circles of friends like this, I would think that there just might be. After all, don’t married couple lust after their wives’s or husband’s friends? Everyone needs love and everyone has dreams and hopes, but as Evan says, “no one knows the future”. One of the lines that Dawkins writes is that “if you knew that none of your dreams would ever come true, you might just stop dreaming and then what would life be”. I think this si what was said, but not word for word. This is what I drew from the statement made and I agree wholeheartedly. About Face, with this play, is educating the viewers and bringing them, at least some of them into a different world. The audience today was very mixed and the response from all was very positive. What a great way to start Gay Pride Month!"
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"...The Homosexuals is a triumphant success for About Face, a play that tackles important social issues in the context of honest relationships with a cast and creative team perfectly in tune with the rhythm of the script. The problems these characters face are universal, but the ways they approach the solutions are specific and unique to their personalities. Where Dawkins’ script soars the highest, though, is in its depiction of the solidarity between a group of friends through good and bad; a family with a connection deeper than blood."
