Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Still, "Inanimate" is a warmhearted, expansive story about living authentically and accepting others for who they are. Although its climactic scene stretched my suspension of disbelief, there was never a dull moment thanks to Robideau's clever dialogue, a cast that fully commits to the play's eccentricities and the important truths at its core."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...All the ingredients for a whimsical look at unlikely love are in place in Nick Robideau's Inanimate, now in its local premiere at Theater Wit under Jeremy Wechsler's direction. But like a Dairy Queen Blizzard that doesn't have quite the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy, it's ultimately short of satisfying."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...There are plenty of laughs in this one, but of greater importance, the story allows us to learn about something that we may not have ever heard of before. Perhaps, next time you see someone hold on tight to an object, it will make you think about Erica. I know the next time we take the grandkids to Dairy Queen, I will look at the sign in a different light!"
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...This new one-act introduces theatergoers to a new world of fetishism and romantic/sexual attraction. Much like Trish’s passion for politics and urban change, or Kevin’s secret Dungeons & Dragons games or a love life that no one knows about, Erica is attracted to objects. Her involvement in objectum-sexual relationships, particularly with a Dairy Queen sign, is the focus of this delightfully funny and offbeat little play. Who knew that Happy could Taste so Good?"
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...I had to look twice when I read the description of Inanimate. A woman in a relationship with a Dairy Queen sign. I was thinking surreal, then disassociative personality, or hilariously Futurist. Playwright Nick Robideau has blended a concoction of all three with Inanimate. Everyone may have some of all three with the current culture and world events. Artistic director Jeremy Wechsler deftly directs a cast that crackles with energy. They lean into life, with all of the grief, hilarity, and longing of a young woman Erica (J.G. Smith) as she commits her heart to a Dairy Queen sign she calls Dee (Aaron Latterell)."
Life and Times - Recommended
"...The 90-minute play, told in one shot without intermission in the comfort of Theater Wit, is billed as "the best - and only - objectum-sexual romance of the year." The New York Times calls the play a "likeable comedy", however, the comedy comes in prescribed doses, allowing the actors to also explore some serious dramatic moments."
NewCity Chicago - Recommended
"...“Inanimate” is a strange tale but also one with heart and conviction. Smith’s depiction of Erica is perfect; awkward and vulnerable when need be but later with a level of hurt and anger that elevates the entire production. Rose serves as the perfect foil and eventual ally to something that he only slowly begins to understand. The chemistry between the two, initially nonexistent, ever so gradually develops to a very satisfactory and optimistic end point. The chorus also injects fun via their spot-on take on a variety of objects."
