Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...In fairness, I should note that the production picks up considerably when Dagoberto Zolio Soto's Manolo and Cesar Jaime's Jesus show up. The latter in particular knows how to win big laughs by masterful underplaying and careful reaction. Bills' neither-fish-nor-fowl approach to the material could have used more of those moments, rather than veering from explosive rage to unconvincing epiphanies for Olive and Florence."
Chicago Sun Times - Not Recommended
"...Neil Simon should have left well enough alone. Instead, he took his iconic 1965 comedy "The Odd Couple" and adapted it in 1986 to feature female versions of neurotic neatnik Felix Unger and slobby sportswriter Oscar Madison. The result is an excruciatingly mediocre, largely laugh-free, wholly uninspired "comedy" featuring Florence Unger and Olive Madison. Directed by Robert Bills for Robert Bills' Productions, "The Female Odd Couple" is a laborious clunker with all the appeal of the mold-sprouting sandwiches in Olive's refrigerator."
Around The Town Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...Overall, I would have to say that of the several productions of this female version, this one stood out and had some merit. The cast is stronger than others: Kristen Williams,Debra Rodkin,Darcie Bender Hubber and the adorable Meghan Powe as Vera ( the dumb blonde). The set by Daniel Haymes fits the stage area at The Greenhouse ( main stage) and gives us the feeling of an apartment, but we get confused as to where the different rooms are. Delena Bradley's costumes are pretty much the 80′s and cat Wilson's lighting works. Sorry to say, the props person , who I am sure did a great deal of work is not mentioned. Of course, they use the theme from "The Odd Couple" before each act. How could they not?"
Chicago Theatre Review - Somewhat Recommended
"...Elaine Carlson creates an annoying Florence, often too much so. Some variety in her line delivery would have been much appreciated. There is a little too much whiny Edith Bunker in Ms. Carlson’s voice to sustain an entire play. Elizabeth A. Styles fares much better as Olive. She plays the sports writer as a tough, no nonsense broad, with a soft spot for both her ex-husband and her homeless friend. Ms. Styles is particularly excellent in her scenes with friends (Kristen Williams, terrific as Mickey the Cop and, especially, Meghan Powe as a beautifully nuanced, hilarious Vera) and neighbors, Jesus and Manolo. Both Dagoberto Zolio Soto and Cesar Jaime raise the comedy level in this production, with the subtly, understated Mr. Jaime providing the show’s standout performance. Hopefully Chicago will be treated to more from this skilled actor."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...Kudos to director and producer, Robert Bills, for choosing this hilarious and female friendly 1985 adaptation by Neil Simon of his original “Odd Couple” written in 1965 about men. Even with my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre History, I was not aware that this play by Simon existed. I recently saw the original by a fine all-star cast at Northlight Theatre and felt that joke for joke, Simon’s female version had more laughs and comedic insights into the difficulties of divorce and the value of real friendship than the all male version we are so accustomed to seeing."
