The Boston Globe
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Doherty was not in great voice at Wednesday’s matinee, but her acting chops were very much intact as she transitioned smoothly from humor to despair to anger. In words that capture the ravages of war in all times and places, Penelope says of the Trojan War: “It was awful: kill kill kill blood blood blood. Suffering. Pain. It took ten years, but we won. We won! … Odysseus, who did survive, set off when the war ended. And he’s been traveling — supposedly — to get back here, for Another. Ten. Years.”"
WBUR
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Despite her acting skills, the songs didn't do much to stir up emotion for me. And watching someone wait is as unexciting as it sounds. However, the musical compositions alone were beautiful. With aptly titled songs and an intro, the music would be lovely as a stand-alone instrumental project. But as a musical, it missed the mark."
The Arts Fuse
- Highly Recommended
"...In Penelope, Alex Bechtel, who wrote the music, lyrics, and co-wrote the book, traverses the diverse landscape of waiting. At times, Penelope's waiting is drenched with resentment, at other times it is laced with longing. Her response to the demands of waiting can be pleading for an end, followed by sudden defiance. The various moods of waiting are reflected in the variety of musical styles in the score. There are poetic ballads, comic banter numbers, folk-rock songs, some jazz, and even something gospel-y."
The Sleepless Critic
- Highly Recommended
"...As much as the musical is about the anguish of waiting and suffering as depicted in the frustrating Prayer and poignant number Lose My Mind, Penelope also provides its share of raw and humorous moments in both dialogue and song as demonstrated in the cheeky Drunk Iliad. Funny, soothing, and earnest, Penelope unveils the wonder of the ordinary even if the waiting is the hardest part."
New England Theater Mirror
- Recommended
"...Odysseus is a popular figure these days. In 2018, he appeared in Madeline Miller’s novel “Circe” as a virile and manipulative broken warrior. There was Kate Hamill’s “Odyssey” that premiered at A.R.T. last year. There’s an upcoming film version, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matt Damon, scheduled for release this July. “Penelope”, written by Alex Bechtel, is a one-woman cabaret depicting a waiting, sometimes patiently, sometimes not, wife of Odysseus, whose loyalty and love is played adoringly by Aimee Doherty."
METR Mag
- Recommended
"...As beautifully staged by Lyric Stage Company director Courtney O’Connor, the story of "PENELOPE" focuses on themes of longing and anguish over a loved one missing for over a decade."
The Awkward Pose
- Highly Recommended
"...Not much happens in Penelope, which is appropriate, since her main task is to wait. The play, which clocks in at a mere 80 minutes, ought to feel compact, yet it’s leisurely. Long stretches of silence; of that musical underscore; of simply being. Goddess Athena blows in at one point, but the goddess of wisdom and war offers nothing substantial. “I don’t need compassion,” Penelope is too expert at her art to suffer even gods as fools, “I need answers.”"
