Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"..."Side Effects May Include …" is thus a very worthy project, although that sexual theme does, in fact, overwhelm the show's initially promising deeper themes of change, support and struggle, which are raised but dropped much too quickly here. Many people with medical situations like Parkinson's do, in fact, see the humor of all aspects of their situation — even the ones for which they keep their clothes on — and the show does not need to skip away from those more difficult issues in quite such a rush to the bedroom. The jokes may be less obvious elsewhere, and they may require more risk, but the rewards would be greater."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Pond, directed by Wayne Mell, is a fine actor with a wonderfully mobile face, an agile body, excellent instincts and a fine head of strawberry blond hair. And he is admirably true to his character. But that character’s narcissism often verges on the insufferable."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Jaffe's avatar, a comic named Phil Rosen, spends nearly two hours detailing his efforts to hide wife Maggie's illness from everyone in their life (including their young daughter) and accommodate the bewildering side effects of Maggie's medications (including a voracious libido). After about 30 minutes of by-the-numbers, shtick-heavy confessions-delivered with commitment but little subtlety by Andrew Pond-I wondered if Jaffe would ever allow Maggie to take center stage, since her story is presumably more interesting than Phil's. No such luck."
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...Despite Phil’s ability to laugh at his situation, there’s an undercurrent of fear and grief as he worries about the future and how the disease will impact his teenage daughter. Versatile actor Andrew J. Pond navigates Phil’s complex emotional arc with ease. He’s a skilled impressionist, creating distinct characterizations for Phil’s stand-up enthusiast rabbi, horny wife and hormonal daughter. Pond takes on the script’s various roles with vigor, never letting the energy flag."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Recommended
"...SIDE EFFECTS MAY INCLUDE... a pleasant buzz! It wasn't the LOL "Seinfeld" episode I anticipated but it was enjoyable! This couple persevered through tragedy...together! Who doesn't want to see more of that? Spouses, especially sexually deprived ones, will want a prescription for this marriage medication."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...This is a rough topic to deal with as Marc Jaffe and Eric Coble take on Parkinson’s disease and the causes ( or lack of) and effect, it can have on not only the individual, but the entire family. Many of us knew very little about this condition until Michael J. Fox came down with it and shared his life with America."
Chicago Theatre Review - Somewhat Recommended
"... Written by former Seinfeld writer Marc Jaffe and Emmy nominated playwright Eric Coble, the script is clever, witty, and sharp where it needs to be. The show addresses Parkinson’s disease from the point of view of a healthy family member. Phil, a stand-up comedian, speaks to the audience about his wife Maggie in a mixture of comedic, high energy routines and heartfelt flashbacks. Most people focus on how a disease effects the person diagnosed with it, but Phil speaks about what the medications do to his wife, what the side effects do to him, and how his own side effects effect the rest of his life. Sometimes the anecdotes are humorous, sometimes they are ironic, but the dialogue’s energy keeps the audience engaged throughout."
