Los Angeles Times
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Having ignited an emotional powder keg, however, the play lacks the courage of its convictions, opting for a far-too-tidy resolution that sidesteps longer-term moral and psychological consequences."
Variety
- Recommended
"...Dan Via's "Daddy," a West Coast premiere at the Hudson, starts out as a slight, predictable boulevard comedy about a gay May/December romance, but suddenly takes a serious turn into darker and much more interesting territory. Multiple themes are brought up, including the debate over same-sex marriage and the perils of workplace dating. But Rick Sparks' thoughtful production is strongest in exploring the dynamics of a relationship when sex isn't an issue but all the other stress points and fault lines of love still apply."
LA Weekly
- Highly Recommended
"... Though Via's play gets off to a slow start, things that initially seem cryptic or merely casual prove to be of crucial importance as it progresses, and the piece builds to a startling finale. Director Rick Sparks elicits finely nuanced performances from his three principals, and Adam Flemming provides the handsome and flexible unit set."
Backstage
- Highly Recommended
"...Dan Via's bittersweet play exceeds expectations, proving far richer than the formulaic rom-com that's suggested by its early scenes. Exploring complex relationships among urban gay men, this insightful and deeply affecting work, now in its West Coast premiere, is blessed with Rick Sparks' sensitive direction and a trio of exceptional performances."
LAist
- Recommended
"...Daddy, currently playing at Hudson Mainstage, is Dan Via's superbly crafted and touching play about the convergent complexities of defining love, friendship, and family in an anti-equaity political arena."
Edge
- Highly Recommended
"...Having hinted at a surprise ending, suffice it to say that it is very satisfying. Not necessarily happy and not necessarily with all the loose ends tied up, but simple, realistic and effortless. Perfect, in other words!"
Stage and Cinema
- Somewhat Recommended
"...His play Daddy, depending on how you look at it, is either earnest and straight-forward or it is a play totally lacking in what might be referred to as light and shadow, or style and substance, or whatever it is that separates good plays from better ones."
LA Splash
- Highly Recommended
"...On a scale of 10, this play is easily a 9.5."
Stage Scene LA
- Highly Recommended
"...McCullouch and Via performed the same roles in New York about a year ago, and a glance at those reviews suggests that the Los Angeles production surpasses its World Premiere in more ways than one-further evidence that our L.A. stage scene plays second fiddle to none."
StageHappenings.com
- Somewhat Recommended
"...You'll have to take it from me that Via's play is fascinating, if incomplete. He's structured it well, but most of the dialogue – until the climactic ending – doesn't move well, or allow for much character development. When his story does rise to its exciting climax, then everything kicks into high gear, making his themes crystal clear."
Campus Circle
- Highly Recommended
"...The humanity in the characters' love and frustrations with each other is touching. The plot and the characters unveil more impressive levels than the actual stage setting suggests, as you will notice (and be impressed by) immediately upon arrival."
Socal
- Highly Recommended
"...Though the acting relies heavily on dialogue in the first half of the show, as the plot thickens it intensifies, and each actor's performance becomes more powerful. The cast is brilliant, and truly, no actor stands out more than the other. Daddy will spark discussions and debate – the sign of a great original play."
