Windy City Times - Recommended
"...A premise that could be derailed at any moment by real-life events makes for a slippery scenario, its tone shifting abruptly between star-crossed soap, domestic drama and marital comedy. The cast assembled by director Cody Estle still appeared be feeling their way on opening night, but Jason Huysman and Kristin Collins invoke sympathy for the sweethearts doomed to live forever under a spotlight—a fate unlikely to trouble a play with arguably a shorter shelf life than we have come to expect from its author."
Centerstage - Somewhat Recommended
"...none of the genres are really executed well. The romance is neither endearing nor sexy, the mystery is undeveloped and the comedy is simply not funny. The prominent role of comic relief goes to Laura’s married friends, Suzanne and Harper. (Brigitte Ditmars and Michael Boone) The characters fancy themselves amateur sleuths and much of the play’s running time is taken up by their agonizing attempts at witty banter."
Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"... It’s to Steinhagen’s credit that his interest seems to be in the complexities of female desire; why, indeed, do so many women delude themselves in love? Yet his pursuit of this question falls flat, particularly as the script turns toward sitcomish dialogue and short scenes and monologues that stall the play’s movement."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"... This 80 minute one-act dramatizes the fact that reality may not live up to the prejudgment. When another strange event happens, more doubts arise concerning Walter Dante. The mystery unfolds leaning toward more speculation as if real life often doesn’t follow a script.Is he a victim of media hypeora cold-blooded killer? See this show and judge for your self."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended
"...“Dating Walter Dante” can easily be chopped up as muddy dialogue that failed to translate. The way these characters interacted was completely unrealistic, which fell to the hands of the material. The ensemble on the other hand proved to be quite a valuable asset to the evening. The actors gave their best at keeping Steinhagen’s words afloat, but it’s hard to steer a ship when it’s under water. I greatly admire Raven Theatre for taking on the piece but I strongly believe it would benefit from a longer session in the workshop process."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Recommended
"...Isn’t a man innocent until proven guilty? Or does that really matter when he’s dating your friend? DATING WALTER DANTE is something to see but I’m still not certain if it’s something to do."
Chicago Theater Beat - Somewhat Recommended
"...Danting Walter Dante isn’t scary, sexy or strange enough to carry off its mission. But then Rob Lowe couldn’t make sense of the creature either. Let’s hope a courtroom can."
