Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...But despite flirting with sentimentality, both Simon's well-loved script and Estle's production are rooted in common decency. That quality may not, on the face of it, make for as compelling a dramatic arc as dissolution and betrayal, but it is in fact something that many of us have experienced and cherished in our own families. In Amanda Rozmiarek's cunningly cramped series of shoe-box rooms, the walls have ears - everyone fears being walked in on at some point. But they also contain undeniable love and loyalty."
Read Full Review

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...Neil Simon might not be the darling of the avant-garde theater crowd. But anyone who doubts the enduring power of his plays to generate a surefire mix of tears and laughter should pay a visit to Raven Theatre's revival of his 1983 drama "Brighton Beach Memoirs," now in a first-rate production directed by Cody Estle."
Read Full Review

NewCity Chicago - Recommended

"...Although irritatingly sentimental at times, director Cody Estle seems to have streamlined this show away from the schmaltz and focuses instead on story. Faithful and vivid, this production is accented by strong performances from Sam Hubbard and JoAnn Montemurro. While not exactly reinventing the wheel with this selection, Raven Theatre brings this story to life in captivating monologues and low-key acting choices. It's an easy reach to make the Eugene character a total ham, but a young Charlie Bazzell does well in navigating where to go big and when to reel it in."
Read Full Review

ShowBizChicago - Highly Recommended

"...Brighton Beach Memoirs brings you back to much simpler times. Even though, it is a generation before my time, it is refreshing to relive my mother's stories, in witnessing a true family with real problems. They have an extreme love for each other to hold them together, through even the most difficult circumstances. Brighton Beach Memoirs is truly delightful and guaranteed to make you laugh and cry and relive all of those great family times and stories. The Raven Theater is truly a wonderful Edgewater venue and the perfect theater to see this show. Brighton Beach Memoirs should not be missed, and is Highly recommended."
Read Full Review

Chicago On the Aisle - Highly Recommended

"...It's a smart, funny, familial cast that fills out the Jerome household. As Eugene's long-suffering but stern mother Kate, JoAnn Montemurro elicits our sympathy even as her edged reproofs of Eugene draw laughter. Here's a believable mother: beleaguered, pragmatic, quietly frazzled and yet loving withal."
Read Full Review

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...The layers of story becomes much more that a family comedy as Simon weaves honest family conflict into the humorous foibles of as teenage boy. Get to see this Brighton Beach Memoirs to rediscover the genius of Neil Simon. You'll see that he was much more than simply a funny playwright."
Read Full Review

Chicago Now - Highly Recommended

"...Director Cody Estle stages his talented ensemble using every nook and cranny of this house and even the side yard. Although the extra steps going from room-to-room slows down the action, the solid house becomes a comfortable character. It provides solace for the residents to keep secrets and plot their escape. Playing the budding playwright, Charlie Bazzell (Eugene) hits a homerun. Bazell is extraordinary! He kicks off the show by narrating his imagined World Series as his mom, JoAnn Montemurro (Kate), nags him to set the table."
Read Full Review