Wife Material presented by Underscore Theatre Company at The Understudy

Chicago Theatre Review - Somewhat Recommended

"...The musical, quite naturally, is unapologetically female-centric. It’s also aimed at women of a certain age, rather than at everyone. The show’s filled with simulated sexual acts, involving both genders, four-letter words and blunt, honest dialogue and songs. The music includes such uninhibited tunes as “Let’s Screw,” “Fuckboi,” “Cheater” and a celebration of masturbation, “Love Myself.” The show refuses to hide its face. It’s loud, in-your-face and candidly realistic. However, it must be said that this isn’t a musical for everyone."

Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Recommended

"...The strength of the piece is its accessibility. Shriner’s candidness regarding her own history allows her to touch upon the most common issues and topics within the contemporary discourse regarding sexuality, meaning that it’s pretty unavoidable that some joke or anecdote will resonate with the viewer. Even if not, the pacing and breeziness with which the leading lady infuses the proceedings keeps the self-examination from bogging the piece down in navel-gazing. The impression given is that Shriner has plumbed her depths enough to be able to acknowledge her flaws without wallowing in them."

Chicago On Stage - Recommended

"...With Shriner’s bluntly honest, often extremely comic, discussion of her own life and sexuality, Kyra Leigh’s excellent music direction, and Dana Anderson’s brilliant direction, this is a show that can transform your understanding of what a musical can be. It is foul-mouthed and as sexually explicit as it can be without any nudity, but at the same time it has an enormous heart. We witness Shriner’s joys, pain, and confusion as she walks us through the journey of her young life, and because of that in ninety minutes we begin to feel that we know her: she’s a human being with all of the hopes and dreams of any other human being, perhaps with more flaws than some, but ultimately, like everyone, deserving of love. It takes guts to play out the excesses as well as the darkness in her life on a stage, but that in itself would not be a reason to like the play. Shriner herself is a reason, though, and she’s a darn good one."

Picture This Post - Highly Recommended

"...WIFE MATERIAL is a fun musical that keeps us engaged with its comedic memoir style and wide variety of musical stylings. It’s thought provoking as it challenges the norm and takes a critical lens to societal expectations. This show would be a good fit for anyone who loves newer, comedic musicals that touch on social issues."

NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...“Wife Material” is worth the trip if you’re within the white-bisexual-heaux-woman demographic. If not, it’s a story you’ve already heard."