Los Angeles Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...The script could stand a vigorous pruning, several performances are still wobbly and the set changes are noticeably time-consuming - yet this production, directed by Gary Imhoff, has promise."
Broadway World - Recommended
"...Gary Imhoff directs Train to Zakopane at a pulsing pace interrupted frequently by the numerous set changes of Chris Stone's sleek interior train set and gorgeous Zakopane ski resort set with bedroom, dining room, gardened walkways. Maybe with more spotlight cues utilized by little used lighting designer Juliette Klander, the entire set would not need to be seen and changed as often in this two-and-a-half-hour world premiere."
Stage Scene LA - Not Recommended
"...The story Henry Jaglom has to tell is a compelling one and the lead actors who bring his star-crossed lovers to life do powerful work. Still, clunky dialog, uneven supporting performances, and problematic set and costume designs make Train To Zakopané: A True Story Of Hate And Love rather a tough go, even for those like this reviewer with a fascination for Europe in the first half of the 20th century."
ReviewPlays.com - Recommended
"...The entire cast, that also includes Kelly Desarla (Marousia Petranko) and Jeff Elam (Dr. Nahum Gruenbaum), give strong performances under the direction of Gary Imhoff."
Will Call - Recommended
"...It is a beautiful, heart rending romance, excellently acted, especially by the two leads and skillfully directed by Gary Imhoff."
Jesther Entertainment - Recommended
"...Train To Zakopane is a bit talky like, well, a Jaglom film, but it`s well-directed by Gary Imhoff, who has previously directed other Jaglom works for the theater. The drama is also well-acted; Falkow has that 1930s/1940s matinee idol appeal, with the looks and mannerisms of the suave, continental Paul Henreid and Franchot Tone, which is ideal for this period piece. Frederick manages to conjure up a character who is, at the same time, paradoxically hateful and yet so loving. Set designer Chris Stone effectively and literally sets the scene with his train and then resort hotel scenery."
LifeInLA - Recommended
"...Those who see Train to Zakopané are apt to be affected by its thought-provoking content. Not only is the play's dialogue smart, but the chemistry Falkow and Frederick impart is testament to both actors' talents. Together, they share some truly wonderful, authentic moments on stage while Falkow's presence throughout the play's entirety commands the sort of magnetism that comes from one who's mastered his craft."
The Los Angeles Post - Somewhat Recommended
"...The tale is fascinating with some nice moments. Very intriguing with an air of mystery, it should have brought a tear to our eyes and tugged at our hearts, but the flat acting from both Frederick and Falklow at the highest point in the play was disappointing. They both struggled with the text and lacked to convey the tension. Fredrick has a habit of going into her cute, little-girl character. It worked well in Sylvia but not here as a mature woman sharing something intimate and emotional. The script needs some good editing. Far to wordy, it shouldn't have been more than 90 minutes. It went way beyond its purpose at two hours plus."
Joe Straw #9 - Recommended
"...Train to Zakopané by Henry Jaglom is a delicately brilliant and captivating play and one of Jaglom's finest work of art. Zakopané is pabulum for theatregoers who crave the written word, of characters finding answers through intercourse, of providing perspectives without the violence associated with differencing perspectives. The cast members are all superb and one is easily enraptured by the conflict and the story of these sorted lives."
Cynthia Citron - Recommended
"...Moreover, the acting alone makes this play worth seeing. Director Gary Imhoff has orchestrated a credible range of emotions in his cast, most notably in the case of Tanna Frederick, the uptight nurse, and Jeff Elam, a Jewish doctor who has a wonderful scene explaining to Semyon why he has been living as a gentile for the past 15 years."
