Oprah! A Comedy! Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...These are some exquisitely silly jokes, but "Oprah! A Comedy!" isn't quite ready for prime time (let alone that $20 ticket price). With a bit of judicious editing, this thing might really work."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...As she reflects on her 25 years on TV and prepares to leave Chicago, over 70 characters--including Barack Obama, William "The Fridge" Perry, and Judy Baar Topinka--appear to send her off. In one of my favorite scenes, Winfrey and "close female friend" Gayle King get carried away with giggles and patty-cake--to the confusion of Mayor Richard J. Daley, sent from heaven to keep Winfrey in Chicago."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...Oprah! A Comedy! Live Your Best Laugh, which plays the Annoyance Thursdays at 8pm, began as all shows should—with the Space Jam theme song. As O, Michelle Renee Thompson captures the aura of the TV goddess, prickly boss, wise prophet, urban aristocrat and everywoman, complete with convincing O-ration. We’re welcomed as the audience to her final talk show taping (brilliant). An hourlong musical comedy poking fun at an hourlong television show establishes infinite potential—cast, crew and director Anne Marie Saviano can concoct the finale they’d wish to see on May 25th (maybe Oprah and Gayle retire to colonial life a la season 18 or Oprah is unmasked as Maya Angelou)."

Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended

"...In all, this is inspired satire and it is brilliantly funny. I have not laughed so hard in a while and hope that Oprah! A Comedy! Live Your Best Laugh could play continuously for a while like other Chicago classics. Over 70 Chicago icons make the cut in this fast paced and intelligently funny show. Yes, some of the jokes are base and low, but to quote Richard "Boss" Daley, "This is Chicago and if you don’t like it, kiss under the mistletoe on my suit tail"."