Chicago Tribune
- Recommended
"...Smith’s 2023 play is an adaptation of a Hungarian farce written nearly a century earlier, Ferenc Molnár’s “Play at the Castle,” which also inspired previous English-language versions by P.G. Wodehouse and Tom Stoppard — a pedigree that speaks to its potential for witty dialogue and physical comedy. With Evanston-based director Linda Fortunato at the helm and a cast stacked with local talent, this Chicago-area premiere takes its time building to full stride, but the payoff is good fun, especially for viewers who enjoy meta-theatrical humor."
Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"...I marvel at how well Smith’s script and Fortunato’s cast bring it all to warm and sparkling life. The physical production elements, including Jack Magaw’s lavishly appointed set (with properties designed by Paloma Locsin), lights by Christine A. Binder, delicious period costumes by Kärin Kopischke, and sound design—including the aforementioned squeaky cart—by Josh Schmidt and Dee Etti-Williams, add visual and aural delight."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
- Highly Recommended
"...The Angel Next Door is a refreshing comdic theatrical performance. This well-written play brings out the charm of theater. It's the kind of performance that reminds you why live storytelling is so captivating. The cast masterfully brings to life a delightful mix of humor and charm, engaging the audience. "That's there, but technically not there," where the audience's presence feels both real and inaccessible."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...“The Angel Next Door” is heaven-sent. One of the best productions I’ve seen all year, Paul Slade Smith’s play is refreshingly delightful and at once captivating and clever. This romantic screwball comedy centers around what happens at a stately mansion in Newport, Connecticut, where several invited guests overhear conversations coming from the room next door."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...A big thank you to Northlight Theatre, playwright Paul Slade Smith and director Linda Fortunato and her talented cast and crew for bringing laughter back to the theatre with THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR. We say this a lot lately, but it’s definitely true today: more than ever now audiences desperately need entertainment that makes the theatergoer grin, giggle and guffaw with amusement. As we gratefully chuckle and chortle at this fabulous farce, we’re reminded of how grateful we are for well-written comedies and all those truly talented theatre people."
Chicago On Stage
- Recommended
"...For its final show in its longtime home at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie (before its move to its own building in Evanston this summer), Northlight Theatre has served up an enjoyable little confection called The Angel Next Door, Paul Slade Smith’s translation of an old Hungarian comedy. Set in the 1920s, this play focuses on what one character disgustingly refers to as “theatre people” who find themselves caught up in a very meta set of circumstances that allow the hilarity to grow from the outset."
MaraTapp.org
- Recommended
"...Northlight Artistic Director BJ Jones describes The Angel Next Door as “a theatrical bonbon,” and it is indeed a treat to mark the last show at the Skokie Performing Arts center before Northlight returns to its Evanston roots in a brand-new home in September. So savor the sweets now by seeing this show."
Splash Magazine
- Highly Recommended
"...In the end, 'The Angel Next Door' is exactly what audiences crave right now: smart, stylish escapism delivered with panache. At Northlight Theatre, it's a heavenly evening-light, bright, and irresistibly charming."
