Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...The Main-Street-vs.-Wall-Street theme seems timely, but the contrived plotting, scattershot gags, and dated references keep the work from gaining comic momentum. And the broad overplaying by director Chris Maher's cast--headed by Sara Sevigny, visibly too young for the role of the troublemaking shareholder--undercuts what little satiric bite the script still retains. The one saving grace of Open Eye Productions' revival is wizened Dean Peerman as the wisecracking, elderly narrator."
Windy City Times - Recommended
"...Maintaining the pace demanded of screwball comedy is no easy task; its challenge, in this case, is compounded by the reconfiguration of a three-act text to a cool one hour and 45 minutes ( with intermission ) . Director Chris Maher has assembled a cast adept at keeping character and traction at high speeds—among them, Sara Sevigny ( recently seen in the Hypocrites' roller-coaster Threepenny Opera ) playing the reluctant reformer, ably supported by Kevin Grubb as her enlightened capitalist swain, Neal Starbird as GP's chief slimeball and a delightfully acerbic Dean Peerman as our waspish storybook-wielding narrator."
Chicago Free Press - Recommended
"...From an often-tart script, director Chris Maher produces a competently industrious evening that often sparkles with a mischievous flair. The only drawback is that this perky piece needs a unique presence to take it beyond diverting pleasantness. Nevertheless, Sara Sevigny provides an earnest eagerness and a binding quirkiness as Partridge. She is met with the same detailed passion by Neal Starbird’s wicked Clifford Snell, Dean Peerman’s jovial narrator and Rachel Crane’s loyal Amelia Shotgraven."
Centerstage - Recommended
"...The production hits the sweet spot most of the time. Comedy depends on precise control and timing, especially when there isn’t much more than jokes to keep the show going. Maher’s production walks the line of decent success, often pitching a moment just right, but occasionally letting getting unfocused or letting a joke go on too long (a parody of bad amateur actors being one example). The performances are generally on-target with standouts being Sevigny—a force of nature as the guileless but brilliant Partridge—and John Blick as one of the nefarious executives whose wordless reactions are priceless."
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...As for Maher’s staging, it benefits from a bright Technicolor look that suits both the period (mid-20th century) and form (fable), but it often lacks precision, thanks to frenetically muddled performances from the supporting cast. Fortunately, there’s Sevigny’s engagingly loopy Mrs. Partridge. Wisely avoiding imitation of the inimitable Judy Holliday (who starred in the movie version), Sevigny brings instead a kind of giddy, half-mad effervescence, always making sure to show hints of fangs behind the fizz."
ChicagoCritic - Not Recommended
"...Sara Sevigny, as Mrs. Laura Partridge, worked hard to charm us as the former actress turned stock-holding activist. She is not enough to save this silly and shallow corporate comedy. I couldn’t figure out why Open Eye Production selected this dinosaur since it is too silly to be funny especially in these sensitive times."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended
"...Director Chris has shown some quality work in the past and he utilizes the small stage at The Athenaeum Theatre 3rd Floor Studio to its full advantage. A fairly decent set by Alexis Vejar easily changed from boardroom to office to larger office. The frame for the picture was good with excellent lighting by Mac Vaughey, but the story didn't have the spark that I expected. I am a laugher. People know when I am in the house for a comedy, and in this particular case I chuckled but never laughed. The best laughs came from the delivery of our story Narrator. Dean Peerman is a true veteran who knows how to milk a line, although not as well as Dale Benson, the master."
