I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire Reviews

Chicago Reader - Not Recommended

"...It's possible to embody teenage trauma and celebrity obsession onstage in an absurdist way that still makes us care about the characters. Sheila Callaghan's 2004 play, Crumble (Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake) did exactly that in dissecting a lonely teen and her widowed mother, while upping the surrealism ante by making their crumbling house itself a character. There are several funny bits in I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire, and the stage energy goes to 11 every time Stoole, who plays several assorted characters, enters the picture (or poster). But by the end, I didn't feel as if I knew much more about the characters than I did at the beginning."

Talkin Broadway - Highly Recommended

"...It seems ridiculous to sympathize with a kidnapper who makes a valiant attempt to force her captor to marry her. But, in I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire by Samantha Hurley, directed by Tyler Struble, it's hard not to root for Shelby (Alex O'Shea). The sad nature of her situation (because, really, is it Shelby's fault that she can keep Tobey Maguire in her basement for days and her mother doesn't even notice?) and O'Shea's equal-parts hilarious and endearing awkwardness make it apparent how Shelby thought the real-life Tobey Maguire (Jasper Johnson) could improve her life."

Around The Town Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...Rude, crude, and often nightmarish, “I’m Gonna Marry You, Tobey Maguire” is a dark romantic dramedy that combines elements from Stephen King’s novels “Misery” and “Carrie” and the movie thriller “Fatal Attraction.” Written by Samantha Hurley and directed by Tyler Struble, the mashup of fantasy and reality makes this story funny and sad at the same time. While the play starts out rather creatively, it gradually descends into horror—and it’s unclear how much of this is meant to be real or fantastical or some combination of both."

Chicago Theatre Review - Somewhat Recommended

"...There’s a lot to like in Refracted Theatre Company’s gutsy production of I’M GONNA MARRY YOU TOBEY MAGUIRE. The best thing about the production is the freaky and frenzied, energetic and carefully measured performance by gifted actress, Alex O’Shea. I would love to see this young actress in other roles because she’s so captivating and absolutely believable as a young teenager. Ms. O’Shea totally inhabits this somewhat unbalanced character who’s desperately trying to bring an ounce of happiness to her otherwise bleak life. Jasper Johnson has the more difficult task of balancing and underplaying his role, but his portrayal of a famous movie star is legitimate and believable. I know audiences will love the black comedy and the take-no-prisoners performance of a character who has, in fact, done just that. Simply be prepared for some of Samantha Hurley’s otherwise hilarious play to cause an unexpected crack in the surreal, unbalanced universe of Shelby Hinkley’s fanatic fandom."

Buzz Center Stage - Somewhat Recommended

"...Here’s a play that should be really good, based on its reputation alone. Written by Chicago comedy writer Samantha Hurley, I’m Going to Marry You Tobey Maguire premiered off Broadway at The Cell Theater in 2023. Now Refracted Theatre Company has mounted it at The Den Theatre in Chicago, bringing its original off Broadway director Tyler Struble on board. Under Struble’s experienced hands, we get a vital, lively production of a retro piece, circa 2005"

Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended

"...It seems ridiculous, to sympathize with a kidnapper who makes a valiant attempt to force her captor to marry her. But in I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire by Samantha Hurley, directed by Tyler Struble, it’s hard not to root for Shelby (Alex O’Shea). The sad nature of her situation (because, really, is it Shelby’s fault that she can keep Tobey Maguire in her basement for days and her mom doesn’t even notice?) and O’Shea’s equal-parts hilarious and endearing awkwardness makes it apparent how Shelby thought the real-life Tobey Maguire (Jasper Johnson) could improve her life."

Allie and the After Party - Highly Recommended

"...The premise of a show about parasocial relationships and kidnapping might make some question if this is a show for them. But led by a hilarious cast, I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire is delightfully unhinged and brings a surprising amount of comedy and heartfelt moments."