Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The scenes between Annie and Donald (the excellent Dan Smith) work much better - Donald, of whom the less you know the better, is part a love interest, part a paternalistic guide for Annie in her new life, and part a mystical character in that "Prelude to a Kiss" kind of way. But even in those better sections, you just don't see many cracks in Annie's resolve, a consequence of Pappageorge focusing on her character's anger and annoyance and achieving little vulnerability, likability or discernible emotional complexity. Especially given the intelligence of her character, that does not enhance a play that requires her to fall in love with unusual men - at least once, maybe twice."
Chicago Reader
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The real mystery is why Elliot doesn't give up after the millionth indication that she's not just wrong for him but downright nasty. Parson doesn't seem to believe in the situation anymore than I do, since he gives up on any semblance of verisimilitude: one scene finds the couple shouting across a restaurant in a way that nobody ever shouts across restaurants. It's a waste inasmuch as Eleni Pappageorge (Annie) and Jose "Tony" Garcia (Elliot) can definitely do charm."
Windy City Times
- Recommended
"...it goes without saying that our affections toward Annie and Elliott must never be permitted to waver for an instant-even when the former goes ballistic during a pledge drive, threatening the denizens of Sesame Street with homelessness and death if viewers don't pony up. Under the expert direction of Ron OJ Parson, Eleni Pappageorge and Jose Anthony Garcia carry out their duties with charm and alacrity, while Peter DeFaria makes the most of his role as a surly landlord, but ultimately, what holds us spellbound is Daniel Smith's charismatic portrayal of the wistfully romantic neighbor whose return we await whenever he is absent."
Time Out Chicago
- Somewhat Recommended
"...While the story does come with a twist towards the end, the biggest surprise might be that Daniels wrote this play in 2000, long before he starred in The Newsroom under Aaron Sorkin. It's surprising only because Apartment 3A so often seems like Sorkin-lite. From its reliance on grandiose speechifying to its nattering banter to its Hallmark-card romanticism, Apartment 3A feels far more like an imitation of Sorkin than it does an imitation of life."
Theatre By Numbers
- Recommended
"...I am once again impressed with the level of creative excellence that crosses the stage at Windy City Playhouse. I've yet to see a show there that doesn't come up to an elevated level of production quality. Now, with that being said, this script isn't a masterpiece. It is a fun and enjoyable evening that makes it worth getting out there to see a play despite the myriad possible alternatives right now. While the production isn't life-altering, it did transport me for a couple of hours filled with laughter and a few tears."
ChicagoCritic
- Recommended
"...While Daniels's play starts out slow in act one, in act two it all comes together effectively. It would help if Daniels and direst or Ron OJ Parsons had made the foreshadowing elements a tad clearer. But stay with this play since it gets both hilarious and profound in act tow when all things get resolved. Eleni Papageno, Jose Garcia and Daniel Smith blended together to present their characters nicely. Eleni Pappageorge is the real star here."
Around The Town Chicago
- Recommended
"... There are some awkward moments in the life of a reviewer. Tonight, I watched a play that had some wonderful performances and a wild and warm story, that was also filled with humor and mystery. The play is the Chicago premiere of "Apartment 3A" written by actor Jeff Daniels."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews
- Highly Recommended
"...Ron OJ Parson, who has built a directorial reputation for strong and gritty plays, shows a deft touch in guiding his cast though a script that is basically a sitcom. Jacqueline Penrod designed a minimalist set that smoothly shifts among offices, apartments, the TV studio and a restaurant, abetted by Jared Gooding's atmospheric lighting. Eric Backus designed the sound and Kristy Leigh Hall the costumes. Rachel Flesher is credited as fight choreographer. There are no fights in the play so the credit must refer to the evocations of gymnastic sex between Annie and Elliot on and off stage that are funny and credible."
Third Coast Review
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Through it all, Apartment 3A is a light-hearted, if somewhat sober, portrayal of slow and unsteady healing, faith, and maybe even love. The cabaret space at Windy City supports the set admirably and as you'll see, God is in the details. Jacqueline Penrod and Jared Gooding's smart design and a measure of whimsy make what could be a challenge look easy, and despite an errant lamp or two, proved delightful in the end."
NewCity Chicago
- Somewhat Recommended
"...It isn't that director Ron OJ Parson or any of his cast aren't invested in this material. In fact they seem to be trying to a great degree. In the actors that dedication results in fine performances all around especially from Eleni Pappageorge as the lead, who truly sparkles in her moments of revelation. Daniel Smith is impossibly charming even as he rattles off stinkers like, "Mister Half-Right turned out to be Mister All Right." Jose "Tony" Garcia elicits plentiful "Aw"'s as this play's teddy bear/whipping boy and is the tool of its most memorable scene."
