The Underpants Reviews

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Steve Martin's manic hand is evident in his adaptation of Carl Sternheim's comedy, directed here by Lavina Jadhwani for Hubris Productions. A lively cast explodes out of the gate, but most of the one-liners are dropped with a heavy self-consciousness. In the end there's too much of style in the dialogue to stage well without a higher caliber of delivery."

Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...Sternheim’s reported aim was to prick the mores of the monolithic German bourgeoisie; Martin’s is less clear. The implicit questioning of prevailing sexual attitudes and a smattering of literary references suggest something high-minded, but the bulk of his approach—particularly in Jadhwani’s broad, brash production—is more lowbrow. Hubris’s young cast tends to emphasize volume and wacky voices, save the open-faced Maynard, whose modulation seems out of place among her shouty castmates."

ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended

"...When all’s said and done, it’s a fun night out, and reasonably priced, even when it’s not exactly a home run.  If you go expecting a fun, silly farce without high-caliber talent (with a couple – remarkable – exceptions), you’ll have a good time."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended

"...Between Martin's two-dimensional writing and Jack Birdwell's overwrought performance, there isn't much to redeem the overbearing Theo Mask.  He is stupid, condescending and hypocritical, at one point suggesting that "desire adjusts morality" when his own base urges are ignited.  The fact that he is a politician, even a governmental clerk at that, reminds us that ignorance starts at the top.  Finally, Jason Dabrowski gives one of the most whinny and annoying supporting performances I have seen on a stage in some time as yet another lodger named Klinglehoff.  Hubris' production is good for a few lewd laughs if you don't take this one too seriously."

Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended

"...If you’re looking to be intellectually challenged, The Underpants is not for you (but you probably could have guessed that). If you’re look for a fanciful farce, the play hits the mark. There are some great performances here, and, even though he didn’t pen the original play, Steve Martin’s quintessential charm stands out like a pair of polka-dotted underpants."