Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Originally staged as a one-man revue, the show has been reset by Pride Films and Plays for two actors, Jordan Phelps and Kevin Webb. They're both talented performers—especially Phelps, who can be sexy, soulful, and sardonic all at once—but without dialogue it's impossible to figure out whether they're supposed to be a bunch of characters or just one couple."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...The 18 songs encompassing the spectrum of the gay New York City life are the collaboration of lyricist Mark Campbell and a diversity of composers, some of whose topics are what you'd expect—lost innocence ( "Oh, to be Stupid Again" ), eroding marriages ( "The Man in the Starched White Shirt" ), indelible memories of ephemeral occurrances ( "Perfect, Finite" ) and the obligatory hotcha-hotcha "I Want to Go Out Tonight" just before intermission—yes, a 90-minute show can schedule an intermission."
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...Van Barham's recasting doesn't work seamlessly; some of these songs, notably Lance Horne's "The Man in the Starched White Shirt," are clearly meant to describe a finite affair and can't be shoehorned into an ongoing narrative. And some of the rather busy choreography (presumably by Van Barham, since no choreographer is credited) is simply too big for the hyperintimate Apollo Theater studio space."
Theatre By Numbers - Highly Recommended
"...From the moment you enter the theater, Van Barham’s concept of the show is in full effect. The Entertainer is singing standards at a microphone, the bar is bustling, and the show’s stars, Kevin Webb and Jordan Phelps, move about the space as if the dimly lit world that they inhabit includes the audience. The easy-going feeling, the whisky-filled rocks glasses, the enjoyment of the crowd sets the tone for the evening’s entertainment. Once the lighting shifts and the action starts, Thurston moves away from the mic and takes a backseat except for a few times when a third, but silent, character is needed."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...The concept of having two talented singer/actors tell an honest story completely through songs is a daunting challenge that worked well due to the ability of Webb and Phelps to sing and act their songs so wonderfully. Mark Campbell needs to see how Chicago creatives can take a show to the next level. Songs From An Unmade Bed is so theatrical and well crafted (and, of course, well sung) that it is a rare gem that begs to be seen."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...With a favorite beverage in hand, audiences can settle back in this intimate space and enjoy two skilled performers taking them on a musical voyage across the smooth and choppy waters of a gay relationship. There's something that will speak to everyone in this well-sung revue, and the aspiring cabaret singer might even hear a few songs he'll want to include at the next open mic night at Davenports."
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"...Hot and healing, "Songs" is a consummate inventory of how love breaks and works, making it an ideal "date show" or the perfect prelude to an inevitable wedding. Cute and acute, both performers act out every nuance as forcefully and honestly as they sing out every note. (Handsome understudy Tommy Thurston presents Broadway favorites before and after the show and during the otherwise unnecessary intermission.)
Though there are 18 different composers, the songs-alternately languorous, plaintive, and pointed,-blend well as they tap into the hip, wistful, ironic and driven mindsets inspired by Campbell's supple lyrics. As ready for a time capsule as an audience, this revue takes our temperature (and it's good for the blood pressure too)."