Uncle Philip's Coat Reviews
Chicago Reader- Somewhat Recommended
"...But in the course of this one-man show written by Matty Selman and performed by the estimable Gene Weygandt, the coat also becomes a way into Philip's mind-an interesting place to be, given the trauma that determined his life and the sweet, cracked humor that helped him negotiate it. Weygandt and director Elizabeth Margolius make the visit as engaging as possible; Jews of Ashkenazi descent, especially, should find multiple points of communion. But they don't solve basic dramaturgical problems that make what should be minor issues loom large. Nor can they avoid tripping over the odd bucket of schmaltz."
Windy City Times- Highly Recommended
"...Such a dramatic structure imposes a heavy responsibility on its performer ( did I mention a rendition of "Katyusha" on the kazoo? ) who must change his age, body stance and vocal delivery in at least two languages. Fortunately, director Elizabeth Margolius and Chicago favorite Gene Weygandt never fall into the trap of scoring easy laughs from a patter still heard today from wayside hawkers of bottled water or tube socks, but instead granting every moment its full share of ribaldry-or pathos-as appropriate. In the end, some details of Uncle Philip's life may be fated to forever remain a mystery, but Selman, like his mentor, understands the necessity of ensuring that strangers-whatever their tribe or lineage-leave entertained and enlightened."
ChicagoCritic- Highly Recommended
"...Gene Weygandt is terrific as Matty. He has a fine blend of humor, honesty and sense of irony as he switches form one character to another deftly. This is wonderful storytelling. Holding your audience for 75 minutes and catapulting them into emotionally poignant experiences is no easy task but Weygandt’s acting skills deliver a powerful show."
Around The Town Chicago- Highly Recommended
"...The current production is “Uncle Philip’s Coat” written by Matty Selman and finely directed by Elizabeth Margolius. The character that tells us this warm and loving story is an unemployed actor, named Matty, so here is where we put on our thinking caps and wonder” is the playwright telling us his story?” I think yes! Matty, is played to perfection by Chicago favorite Gene Weygandt, who might probably be the most Jewish White Anglo -Saxon Protestant I have ever met. As we are in the most intimate space of the Greenhouse complex (the small studio at street level where we truly get the feeling that he is telling us the story ,one-on-one."
Picture This Post- Recommended
"...Heartbreaking and thought provoking, Uncle Philip's Coat acts as an important play for this time of year. While it is important to spend the holidays celebrating with family, it can be equally as necessary to reflect on our past."
NewCity Chicago- Recommended
"...Veteran local actor Gene Weygandt captures the dual quality of Uncle Philip's life, outwardly pinched and damaged, inwardly warm, perceptive and a touch magical. Director Elizabeth Margolius-aided by Kurtis Boetcher's funky set design and Erik Barry's dreamlike lighting and projections-ably steers us through the subjective worlds of the work's three characters: Matty, his embittered father and the imaginative and impecunious Philip."