Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...all of the union actors in director Jackson Gay's modestly scaled production are strong. Alongside the honest Chicago actors Chike Johnson, Keith D. Gallagher, Jonathan Moises Olivares and the especially excellent Elizabeth Laidlaw (who all play folks belonging to Harry's group) is Melissa Gilbert, the former child actor who played Laura Ingalls Wilder on the beloved NBC series "Little House on the Prairie" and who here plays the therapist. She feels very invested in this project, too, and you can feel the scale of her emotional commitment."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Harry and his friends spend every evening in rehab watching "Cheers" reruns. At first, the confounding ritual seems like it might trigger painful memories or stir the desire to duck out for a quick shot or two. But in "When Harry Met Rehab," a straightforward but charming play now in its world premiere at the Greenhouse Theater Center, this tradition serves as a reminder that strangers often serve as the best friends, particularly in times of trouble, and that camaraderie among addicts extends well beyond the bottom of the glass."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Without being particularly heavy, or depressing, or preachy, the play touches on some important truths. And more importantly, it avoids sugarcoating things. Harry is never “cured” and it is clear at the play’s end that there is still more work to be done. Teinowitz wrote this play with Spike Manton, with whom he worked at ESPN, and together they have penned a work that flows like a well-written sitcom but never sacrifices true feelings for a quick laugh."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...Co-authors Spike Manton and Harry Tienowitz (the latter, himself, a former sportscaster-not coincidentally) likewise refuse to traffic in morning-after confessions, keeping their recitation of stats to a minimum; the tone of their delivery sardonic; and the overall dialogue configured to the rhythms of forced-proximity camaraderie in a gender-neutral key that easily encompasses bonding rituals involving all. Indeed, in the close-up and intimate quarters of the Greenhouse's downstairs studio-rendered even more communal by Regina Garcia's scenic design extending beyond the perimeter of the stage to encircle the entire auditorium-we, too, might be in the room occupied by these prodigals."
Northwest Indiana Times - Highly Recommended
"..."When Harry Met Rehab" is written by Spike Manton and Harry Teinowitz and is directed by Jackson Gay. It's a skillfully written piece which draws people in for its sincerity, comedic wit and sensitivity."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...I confess I entered the Greenhouse with minimal enthusiasm. I don't find drunkenness an enjoyable topic in movies or on the stage and I expected a kind of depressing Days of Wine and Roses viewing experience. But I was rewarded with a play that treated its topic with intelligence, legitimate humor, and a firm grip on the complexities of the subject. Potential ticket buyers should not be put off by the subject matter. The Greenhouse production deserves to be seen both as a sensitive examination of one of the country's major social problems and as a splendid piece of stagecraft."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...I will not tell you what happens to each characters as that would spoil the story. I will tell you that there are some very sad moments and also some very happy ones with a lot of positivity for many of these “friends” and “roommates”. This is 90 minutes ( no intermission) of sheer artistry in storytelling and although it is not typical holiday fare, is indeed a play that you should try to see. If you have a family member that might be in need of help, for sure. Perhaps this play will open their eyes…or yours!"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...While this isn't exactly a holiday play, the drama will enlighten many to the very real problems that many people are experiencing, particularly at this time of year. It's laced with plenty of laughter and moments of deep pathos. Skillfully directed, this production features a terrific cast of accomplished actors who all offer honest, multilayered, totally realistic characters in a play that's heartbreaking, yet hopeful. It's one production that audiences won't soon forget."
Third Coast Review - Recommended
"...A polished script and snappy dialogue well delivered by the six actors make this 90-minute production move quickly. But the play has heart as well as humor and will make you think of your own or friends' or relatives' experiences with addiction and recovery. It's an experience that affects many of us, since, as Barb tells her group, about 10 percent of American adults are alcoholics. And those alcoholic habits affect family, friends and coworkers."
Loop North News - Recommended
"...A comedy that takes sobriety seriously, the story is based loosely on the real-life experiences of Chicago sports radio personality Harry Teinowitz. Co-authored by former ESPN personality and playwright Spike Manton (Leaving Iowa), the show presents an unforgettable evening at the theatre."
Post Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...Filled with humor, moving moments and real people to care about, "When Harry Met Rehab" - now playing through Jan. 30, 2022, at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago - should be seen by all, and is billed as "a story of redemption, perseverance and hope.""
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...Clark didn't hedge his bets with When Harry Met Rehab, bringing in two big name, seasoned actors- Butler and Gilbert -to play the leads, typically a strategy for assuring a long and successful run. Both Butler and Gilbert do a wonderful job. But as it turns out, this all equity cast is non-hierarchical in terms of talent, and combined with a great script and well-paced, polished production, it seems destined to be a hit."
NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...This play undoubtedly will resonate strongly with anyone affected by alcoholism. At the same time, the production too often is content to simply skim the surface of addiction without providing meaningful further exploration. Case in point would be Harry, who on stage fails to ever truly confront his own relationship with alcohol. The consequences of his drinking (outside his one DUI and some health concerns) are also never adequately detailed and there is surprisingly little time spent on his struggle overcoming addiction. Instead we are left with a central character who begins and ends the play telling jokes. While this produces more than a few chuckles, I cannot help but wonder about the demons he would prefer not to face."
