Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Having said that, "Le Switch" is still yet another significant play from one of the Chicago's theater's brightest talents, a compassionate and observant writer who has written a play of the moment that reminds us how little legislation from courts or politicians changes how we think of ourselves."
Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...Though it's a fizzy tale, Dawkins displays a tender compassion for gays still carrying the scars of feeling unwelcome and inferior. The wit and likability of his script is matched by a talented cast in About Face Theatre's staging."
Windy City Times - Recommended
"...Characteristic of a Dawkins play, Le Switch is smart as well as very funny. Banks gets the biggest laughs ( all played perfectly ) but everyone cracks wise. Rice and Cone are an attractive couple, partly because neither is drop-dead gorgeous and both have puppy-dog appeal. Fain and Ledo are rock-solid veterans. Director Stephen Brackett keeps the pace brisk and doesn't let the laughs go over the top. Only one moment, the Act II proposal scene, lacked sufficient weight, needing a bit more time and reaction."
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Those beautiful notions come to life via an all-around lovely cast. First among them: Stephen Cone, who keeps the adorably mousey David from becoming a loathsome stick in the mud. Along with La Shawn Banks's outrageously fun turn as Zachary, Fain's delightfully catty Frank, Elizabeth Ledo's perfectly imperious Sarah and Collin Quinn Rice's charming Chicago debut as Benoit, Dawkins's ideas delight. Even problematic moments, like when love transcends time and space, seem plausible to cynical hearts thanks to this fine ensemble. Le Switch will put a smile on your face and warm your heart-perfect fare for a Chicago winter."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Happily, Stephen Brackett’s expertly tuned and wickedly cast staging gives no slack to the tensions Dawkins twists. This quintet is richly into—and onto–their nicely detailed characters, especially what they are when they’re with each other. To paraphrase Tennessee, you can smell the odor of authenticity about About Face’s Theater Wit proceedings. Wonderfully enough, in gay theater often the best match making is between actors and audience. It happens here."
ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended
"...Director Stephen Brackett winds up having every scene outside the apartment take place in tiny little corners. I recognize that this play has generated some interest, and that gay people may enjoy having come far enough to be subjects of a romantic comedy instead of high tragedy (this play's themes are like a lighter take on Mothers and Sons, now at Northlight). But I still maintain that if I'm hoping that the main relationship fails, something's wrong in the writing."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...Le Switch is a fascinating new play. Philip Dawkins is a talent and as this play grows, I'm sure the second half will tighten and clear. As it stands, the second act grinds this production down to a crawl. The performances and designs are top notch and have the first half of the production soaring, but until the second half can match the simplicity and clarity of the first, this play and production will be unable to find a satisfying or concrete conclusion."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...About Face Theatre is known for its ability to create exceptional, innovative and adventurous plays in order to spread the word and open dialogue on sexual and gender identity while at the same time being able to educate and entertain its audiences. Their current production, a World Premiere production, "Le Switch" allows them to live up to the expectations of the audience they have built, and then some!"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This group of real, honest friends, male and female, gay and straight, are what make Mr. Dawkins’ play appear to be a truthful slice of life. In Stephen Brackett’s capable hands their world comes alive and, for almost two hours, we can’t imagine living anywhere else."
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...And here's Dawkins' biggest switch, this play is grounded in substance. Underneath the frolicking rom-com layer is the reality of new legislation allowing same sex marriages. What happens when you suddenly get what you were fighting for? Is it happily ever-afters for everyone? Or is it the 50% divorce rate extended into the gay community? Dawkins explores the complications of marriage equality from different relationship viewpoints. What makes a marriage? Dawkins asks all the questions but leaves some unanswered. LE SWITCH is a nontraditional look at relationships. It has both loving insight and sparkling humor. Enjoyable on all switches!"
Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended
"...Whatever your views on marriage, some early data suggests that homosexual pairings have a lot to teach the establishment about how to make relationships last (summary: it’s all in the fighting style). Freed from the traditional roles—categories, if you will—homosexuals are crafting their own definition despite anyone’s fears of losing identity. Le Switch embraces many views with aplomb and may prove as popular as Dawkins’ previous The Homosexuals or last year’s Charm. He’s a compassionate writer who considers many angles without judgment, and that alone makes this worth recommending."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...With a versatile set from Joe Schermoly and tasteful direction by Stephen Brackett, Dawkins’ play follows through on its motif of “Everything matters.” “Le Switch” understands that gratification derives not from easy sentimentality but attention, care and patience. You will be sad when you leave but glad that you got to experience its tenderness and generosity."