Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Laughs are the whole kit and caboodle here — to say there are other reasons for attendance at the work of writers Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields would be akin to saying that Brexit was an inspired idea rich in practical detail. You’re going for old-school, retro amusements, or you’re in trouble all night long. The premise is simple: you’re watching a group of feckless amateur theatrical types from Blighty try to get through a murder mystery that turns into a collective actors’ nightmare, wherein everything imaginable falls apart."
Daily Herald - Recommended
"...Logic flies out the window when it comes to "The Play That Goes Wrong," the international hit comedy making an uproarious touring debut at Chicago's Oriental Theatre. But most audiences won't mind this respite from reality, since the actors-playing-actors' gaffes and slapstick gags keep the humor spinning to ever loonier heights."
Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...The show's slow to get started—some of the repetitions in the first act make it feel padded—but the stakes are higher in the deliriously funny second act, as the level of chaos rises and the actors are forced to do increasingly dangerous feats. They struggle mightily to keep the story going—and, to our intense delight, fail."
Stage and Cinema - Somewhat Recommended
"...The trouble is, as much as an audience likes to be “in on the joke,” this is mostly self-parody, so witlessly defective that you can’t tell whether it had any merit in the first place. Lacking any sense of controlling standards, toxically bad theater is just, well, depressing."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Recommended
"...The Play That Goes Wrong is a hoot and will keep you amused. Hey, it’s the holidays and for a couple of hours, it’s all in the absurdities of fun you will need for the season."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...If you someone who loves slapstick comedy, loved :Lend Me A Tenor" and "Noises Off", I would have to say, pick up your phone and order your tickets today for the latest part of the Broadway In Chicago season, "The Play That Goes Wrong" now on the stage of the Oriental Theatre. What a hoot! The press notes ask the question, "what would happen if Sherlock Holmes and Monty Python had an illegitimate Broadway baby? I suppose the answer could easily be "The Play That Goes Wrong" would be its name!"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...By the end of this production, audiences will have experienced every theatrical blunder, miscue, faux pas, snafu and slip of the tongue ever seen in a play. From guns that won’t fire (“Just die, for Christ’s sake!”) to the set completely falling apart (“Death and destruction shall prevail”), theatergoers will be gasping for air after having laughed their heads off. The final line of the play aptly declares, “Let us hope we never again see a murder at Haversham Manor.” But, every audience member can be heard saying, “Let us hope that we do!”"
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Somewhat Recommended
"...Well, there is no point in going on sneering and objecting. The play is what it is. Possibly the long-running English original has qualities that make it more effective, and funnier than what I saw at the Oriental. Yet the touring production seemed to set forth with zeal and a certain gymnastic talent what the playwrights intended. The show isn’t for all tastes, and there were a few walkouts at intermission, but by no means any wholesale departures. The audience seemed to honestly love it, so in fairness they should be permitted the last word."
Third Coast Review - Not Recommended
"...The touring production runs at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., through December 16, and was well-received by the audience on opening night. I’m genuinely glad some folks find fun in this Mischief Theatre production. I found it dreadful."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Somewhat Recommended
"...The problem is that the longer the show goes on, sophisticated theater audiences will find it less witty and more juvenile. It probably does belong in the category frat house entertainment for visiting parents."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...The Play That Goes Wrong is an absolutely outrageous, tremendously funny farce that will keep you laughing throughout the evening. There is nothing (31) drab about it at all. Honestly, I can’t recall laughing so constantly at anything in a very long time."
Picture This Post - Highly Recommended
"...Though the premise seems straightforward and you might think you know what to expect, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG keeps you shocked and thrilled at every turn. It’s a fun production for any type of outing and a good pick for anyone who loves comedies and outrageous situations."