Chicago Tribune - Recommended
:...For Grapey and Kazurinsky are a great deal of fun together, and, crucially, quite poignant in the scenes where the play dances around the comic edges of what it feels like to be lonely and rejected in middle age. Once Felix and Oscar are picking the comedic fruits of incompatibility in the core of this brilliantly structured play - fruits that Simon knew how to harvest sustainably, so they never seem to run out - the show finds its rhythm. And once the Pigeon sisters (the terrific Molly Glynn and Katherine Keberlein) show up, it finds more than enough zest and sparkle to put a broad smile on your face."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...You might well be excused for rolling your eyes at the news that "The Odd Couple," Neil Simon's 1965 comedy (which spawned both a film and a beloved television series), is now in a revival at Northlight Theatre. But for those who understand that there is an excellent reason why old chestnuts remain ever-fresh chestnuts - and that getting acquainted with the play once again might prove to be great fun - the reward will be in the laughter."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Grapey isn't a natural Oscar. He doesn't project the grand insouciance of a Walter Matthau or the barely hidden violence of a Jack Klugman. He doesn't even seem all that messy. But he's good at exasperation and makes an entertaining foil for Tim Kazurinsky, who, as Felix, pushes compulsiveness into the autism spectrum. Under B.J. Jones's direction, they bring out the great, cunning, merciless humor in Simon's script."
ShowBizChicago - Recommended
"...Director BJ Jones keeps to the basics, which is more than fine since the script needs little help when there are great leads and supporting actors to broadcast Mr. Simon's words. And the supporting actors are sensational, in fact some of the best casting of these roles I have ever witnessed. William Dick is great as the neurotically punctual Vinnie; Bruce Jarchow as the easily annoyed Roy; Peter DeFaria (fresh off the revival of A Steady Rain) is hysterical as Murray the Cop, and scene stealing Phil Ridarelli as terrific Speed (who also could very easily fill the role of Oscar); while Katherine Keberlien and Molly Glynn do comic justice to the Pigeon sisters."
Stage and Cinema - Somewhat Recommended
"... Director B. J. Jones deserves much credit for whipping the production into decent shape after Wendt’s late departure. I suspect that nobody involved with the show got much sleep in the week before the opening night. Regrettably, Jones is unable to build a comic fire under the poker scenes. Jack Magaw designed the credible apartment interior that fits functionally on the Northlight thrust stage. Rachel Laritz designed the costumes which credibly reflect the mid 1960’s ambience of the show. JR Lederle designed the lighting and Andrew Hansen the sound, which presumably included selecting the 1960’s pop music hits that form the production’s aural background."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"... The Odd Couple still gets laughs as Neil Simon’s biting zingers still contain the ingredients thatlaughsare madefrom.Withexquisite timing, the cast lands the barbs expertly. You’ll still laugh and appreciate a master craftsman at work. Neil Simon’s ageless comedy still works thanks to Marc Grapey and his pals."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"... Back in 1965, Neil Simon, who had been a TV comedy writer, premiered his play “The Odd Couple”. Yes, over 45 years ago. The play went on to be a movie with big stars and then a very successful tv sit-com. This is the story of two men, one divorced, the other almost divorced, friends, but complete opposites of each other and what happens to each when they become roommates."
