Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Meanwhile, the guy-appropriately named Guy-who connects them all imagines that he's Kerouac disguised as a barista. The pieces are held together to some extent by the continuity of the characters, but the really powerful bond is the ferocious, culture-eating acid of Callaghan's wit, hilariously rendered by Devon de Mayo's staging for Theater Wit. The second act doesn't culminate things so much as dance them off with some future-is-female cheerleading. Still, you'd be a fool to miss the first act on that account."
Windy City Times - Recommended
"...If our play hadn't been written by a woman of unimpeachable feminist persuasion, its 1960s-vintage gender politics might have eclipsed its alleged female-empowerment manifesto. Devon de Mayo's direction, however, forestalls disruptive ambiguity by keeping the stage picture brightly lit and constantly mobile with provocative Ionesco-absurdist spectacle-the "Dance of the Seven Lettuces," for example, or slapstick-acrobatic sim-sex ( courtesy of fight/intimacy designer Rachel Flescher ), or Jennifer Engstrom's uncanny drag-turn resemblance to Hawaii Five-0's Jack Lord. You might leave the theater bewildered by what you have just witnessed, but after viewing an opening scene composed entirely of Callaghan's three graces munching on you-know-what, you will have plenty to contemplate while navigating the produce aisle."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...How do you feel about salad? As a woman sitting in the audience during a performance of "Women Laughing Alone with Salad", you might feel compelled to ask yourself that question, especially during a rather spirited tribute to all things lettuce. "Women Laughing Alone with Salad" is an acerbic, raucous, subversive and really funny riff on an internet blog of the same name."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...The laughter never stops in Sheila Callaghan's irreverent satire. With her quiver filled with poison arrows she takes careful aim at both genders and skewers every cliche about sexual stereotypes and self-image. At the same time Ms. Callaghan lampoons the out-of-control advertising industry that keeps perpetuating these myths and expectations. Devon de Mayo's production is smart, candid, courageous and filled with surprises. This perky, polished, professionally-presented presentation is intended for adult, liberal-minded audiences who enjoy laughing and being enlightened."
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...The script scans hip and millennial, "21st century schizoid," with NYC references (might have been fun to tailor to Chicago locales), and ranges from a hilarious greens-munching opening to "The Dance of the Seven Lettuces" (with a dash of dressing and undressing), and a faux commercial for Effervatol, which anesthetizes women of means "because Yorkies die." The characters basically speak the subtext of their various relationships, confronting the elusive and unreal expectations of beauty for Team Estrogen at all ages and socio-economic strata."
The Hawk Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...Callaghan states that the play is meant to 'hold a mirror up to society,' and there is certainly something interesting about writing an entire script from an exaggerated straight white male perspective. But because the intentions of the play are never clear, neither is the play's messaging. The production has the depth of the meme it is based on. It's horrifying to consider that many patrons could see this as an honest coming-of-age comedy following a sympathetic young man. The women in the cast - and the world - deserve better."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...The play, which Victor says “highlights the absurdity of the human condition as it relates to gender performance and body image,” is absolutely golden. You’re never, ever going to have more fun with salad. It’s a cleverly written, uproarious comedy with a serious message and, as far as I’m concerned, one of the best shows of 2018 so far, and a “must-see.”"
Picture This Post - Somewhat Recommended
"...WOMEN LAUGHING ALONE WITH SALAD is a complex play that will either be a hit or a miss for some, but either way you’ll be talking about how it handles stereotypes, gender expectations, objectification of the male gaze, fragile masculinity, and much more when you leave the theater. Some people might enjoy this show if they’re looking for a social commentary piece with funny zingers related to salad. It might not be a top pick for those who are looking for an empowering feminist work."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...I won't say much. It's best you go into Sheila Callaghan's "Women Laughing Alone With Salad," brilliantly and evocatively staged by Devon de Mayo, with as little knowledge and as few expectations as possible. The experience of watching this play is absolutely ridiculous, until it absolutely isn't. Don't read about it. Don't ask your friends about it. Just buy your tickets and go."