Broadway Bound Reviews
Los Angeles Times- Somewhat Recommended
"...Yet all those handsome trappings can't disguise the fact that "Bound" is a self-indulgent piece that strains for sentiment as it panders for laughs. Perhaps if Simon hadn't been so intent on sanitizing his situations and sanctifying his characters, this "Bound" would have assumed more believably human dimensions."
LA Weekly- Recommended
"...Helmed by Jason Alexander (a member of the original Broadway cast), the show powerfully delivers equal parts comedy and drama as family members constantly get under one another's skin."
Broadway World- Recommended
"...When Eugene finally gets his mother to show him how she danced with George Raft at the Primrose Ballroom, we are treated to an up close and personal look at a woman transformed into the dreamy and hopeful young girl before the weight of raising a family and dealing with a cheating husband dragged her spirit down. It is a brilliant piece of theater, handled with grace and emotional depth by Hecht and Alda. And it is just one of many splendid moments in this spectacular production."
Stage and Cinema- Somewhat Recommended
"...Again, the work onstage is uniformly excellent. Leigh Allen's lighting is exemplary in its invisibility, and Martin Carillo's sound (including a radio show delivered apparently through one speaker) is properly evocative, as are Kate Bergh's convincing period costumes. A production this professional-looking speaks well of the 99-seat plan's intentions. I just wish this play were written as consistently, as of-a-piece beautifully, as Simon's best work."
The Hollywood Reporter- Recommended
"...Director Jason Alexander, who originated the role of Stanley in the Broadway premiere, imparts his command of the material into an attentively drilled cast. Despite limited rehearsal time, the actors have become comfortable enough to dredge shaded subtext from their roles, which is impressive especially under the close scrutiny of an audience shoved smack into the period-detailed interior of their home."
LA Splash- Recommended
"...Once in a while, someone decides to revive an old chestnut and sometimes it's a waste of time and sometimes it's fun to welcome an old theatrical friend. In the case of the current production on stage at the Odyssey Theatre, it's a welcome treat to visit Neil Simon's semi-autographical "Broadway Bound," the third play of Simon's Eugene trilogy, with "Brighton Beach Memoirs" and "Biloxi Blues" the first two of the three plays in which the character of Eugene is his alter ego."
Stage Scene LA- Recommended
"...Neil Simon plays don't get any finer than his semi-autobiographical 1986 dramedy Broadway Bound, nor intimate theater revivals any more flawless than the Broadway Bound revival now playing at West L.A.'s Odyssey Theatre under Jason Alexander's inspired direction."
StageHappenings.com- Recommended
"...Although some people would argue that Broadway Bound is the least successful of Simon's trilogy, this production is well worth seeing."
Examiner- Recommended
"...‘Broadway Bound' directed by Jason Alexander is no exception. Yes, it may be ‘old fashion' but that's not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, thanks to a great cast, and an excellent production at the Odyssey Theatre, it's a very good thing."
ArtsInLA- Recommended
"...Jason Alexander, co-star of the original Broadway cast of Broadway Bound, directs this nostalgic piece with enough pathos and humor to stir audiences' hearts. Led by the sensitive actor Gina Hecht, the top-caliber cast mines Neil Simon's jokes for all their potency, while remaining grounded in this touching memoir of a family collapsing."
Frontiers- Recommended
"...A superb ensemble in a warm and witty revival…consummately acted and handsomely designed."
Working Authur- Recommended
"...The result is a production for all to come and luxuriate in the richness of; even those of us who don't like Neil Simon."
LifeInLA- Recommended
"...This particular production, however, is one of the finest I've ever seen-and I have a feeling that director Jason Alexander, who played Stanley in the original Broadway cast, had a little something to do with that. There just aren't any weak links. From Allan Miller's Alan Arkin charm and deadpan comedic timing to Ian Alda and Noah James' unstoppable energy, the players are a joy to watch. Even in slower scenes and subtler moments, it is impossible to wrench the audience's attention from what's happening on the stage."
The Los Angeles Post- Recommended
"...The Odyssey rarely disappoints and this is no exception. I know Ron Sossi (Artistic Director) has a fond affection for the classic playwright, and Simon is a master of the craft. Broadway Bound is memorable and upbeat, a play the whole family can enjoy. I left the theater happy, satisfied and grateful that we have such darn good theater in LA LA land. This will be a hot ticket, so I wouldn't wait."