Modern Gentleman Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...Dating in the Tinder era can be tough in the best of circumstances. Between the endless swiping through superficial profiles and the risk of being ghosted, catfished or worse, it seems like a win against the odds when someone actually finds love. Add to that the grief of a broken engagement and the uncertainty of navigating romantic connections as a newly out trans man, and it's easy to understand why Adam, the protagonist of "Modern Gentleman" at About Face Theatre, feels apprehensive about putting himself back out there."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Phan makes Adam’s dilemma—staying true to himself even when he risks complicating his relationship with his partner—believable and sympathetic. Indeed, when Modern Gentleman’s story seems to conclude, Allen includes a coda reminding us how important it was for Adam to embark on his journey of self-discovery, no matter the consequences."

Around The Town Chicago - Recommended

"...About Face Theatre is presenting a World Premiere production on the Schwartz Stage at Raven Theatre. The play is "Modern Gentleman" written by Preston Max Allen. It is about "change" Our lives are full of changes, from our childhood to adulthood and then onward to old age. While, in many ways, we seem to remain as we were, in reality, we change every day. The question about "change" is our reaction to OTHERS going through "change"!"

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...About Face Theatre’s appealing production of Preston Max Allen’s enjoyable and enlightening new play is a saucy and seductive trans rom com that will appeal to everyone: gay, straight, bi, trans and everything in between. Directed with artistic authority, and a dash of vim, vigor and verve, Landree Fleming leaves her indelible mark on yet another Allen play. With an extraordinarily talented cast bringing Allen’s characters to life in MODERN GENTLEMAN, there’s a lot to unpack and take home after the performance. This is one educational, engaging and encouraging story for all of us that no one should miss."

Buzz Center Stage - Highly Recommended

"...What Modern Gentleman does most gratifyingly is shed thoughtful and intelligently humane light on one of the unseen and unheralded in our midst to give us a fuller understanding of ourselves."

Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended

"...I am right in the wheelhouse as an audience member for this play, but I think it would take a determined transphobe not to have fun at it…and they are not going to come anyway. If I gave star reviews, this one would earn four out of four of them."