Laughter on the 23rd Floor at Raven Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...If the current revival at the Raven Theatre lacks a certain élan, it is not for a lack of trying. The success of the show rests on a collective tolerance for Simon's brand of humor, which hasn't always aged well. At least the set design from Ray Toler goes a long way toward setting the scene—with its faux linoleum floor and boxy office furniture—of a writer's room for a weekly television variety show."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...The script touches on McCarthyism, skirmishes with NBC network suits, and the eccentricities of the writers and their hopped-up leader, Max Prince. But what ultimately sticks is the constant, competitive, and usually very funny repartee. Michael Menendian's Raven Theatre production and cast are both sharp most of the time, though Eric Roach doesn't take all the opportunities the truly outrageous Prince provides."

Copley News Service - Highly Recommended

"...Director Michael Menendian does a fine job of ensuring that the writers remain human as well as funny. There is a danger of allowing the acting to descend into a disorderly Marx Bothers farce, but Menendian keeps the characters and the action on the rails, resisting all temptations to allow the play to generate into shtick."

HollywoodChicago.com - Recommended

"...While Lucas isn’t a leading-man character, actor Dan Granata masterfully plays the role of ambassador to the audience and plays well against their energy. Eric Roach’s Max Prince feels more Jackie Gleason than Sid Caesar. You can immediately feel his presence when he enters the room."

Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...it’s the women who enliven Simon’s outmoded comedy. Elizabeth Lesinski refuses to let her few lines as dim-witted secretary Helen lose themselves in this crowd of thunderous macho men. And Mackenzie Kyle plays the show’s only female writer with a hard-headed drollness that resonates with our time. Too bad the script so enthusiastically embraces those golden days of yore when even the brassiest dames could barely get a word in edgewise."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...The slapstick and one-liners sizzle as the show aptly depicts comic geniuses at their craft. Simon would enjoy this production. Eric Roach’s Max and Jeremy Glickstain’s Ira were particularly funny as the blend physical comedy with Simon’s biting dialogue. Nostalgic comedies don’t get much better."