"A reflective, straightforwardly-composed piece, 'Daniel’s Husband' is a modern-day problem drama involving a white, middle-aged, gay couple...The playwright cogently lays out his cautionary story in 95 minutes...If sometimes the drama seems too tidily expressed, it soberly considers a timely topic. The bleak conclusion is softened by a flashback that proves to be touching as well as ironic. Under director Brancato’s well-paced guidance, good acting breathes life into the play."
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"What begins as light comedy in Michael McKeever's well-made play 'Daniel's Husband' becomes deadly serious in this cautionary tale. If the plot seems familiar, this is a return engagement of a successful play that appeared at the Cherry Lane Theatre in April 2017. The same engaging and proficient cast returns and while designer Brian Prather remains the same, the costume and lighting designers are now different…It still packs an emotional wallop in the way events turn out."
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"A funny, if somewhat benign domestic comedy, and it’s pretty entertaining. But when...the subject of gay marriage comes up, the comedy takes a back seat...I’m not sure the play entirely recovers from the shift in tone, going as it does from light comedy to heavy drama...The honesty and sincerity in McKeever’s writing add a definite plus to the events of his play. Even if it would benefit from a bit more heft behind its ambitions...you may very well find 'Daniel’s Husband' worth the trip."
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"Merging the two genres is not an easy feat to pull off, but no problem for the uber-talented Michael McKeever. His characters are distinct and each one is drawn with compassion, clarity and truthfulness...Kudos has to be given to director Joe Brancato who keeps the pace moving perfectly...I also have to mention the stunning performances by the entire cast. It is ensemble acting at its finest."
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"On second viewing, the knowledge of where this piece is heading did alter the experience, but I wouldn’t say for the worse. It gave me insight into the shimmers of what was coming, weaved most delicately into the upholstery...'Daniel’s Husband' expertly walks us through the complicated world where some hard fought human equality rights were won, but not desired by all...The writing is clearly defined, although moments feel a tad scripted."
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“It is bad form for critics to leave a performance early, but there is no rule stating that they can’t wish to leave before the final bow...I made that wish...Then McKeever’s play changed in an instant — and I was hooked...The ensemble is superb, bringing truth and authenticity to McKeever’s high stakes drama...’Daniel’s Husband’ embodies what quality playwriting should do. It surprises, engages, entertains, and challenges your own worldview without being didactic...I’m glad I stayed."
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"The chemistry between Spahn and Montelongo is evident and adds to the heartbreak of the piece. Spahn is also delivering a heart-wrenching performance and brings heart to this piece, but it is Montelongo who has the longer journey. From a confident individual to an emotionally drained man, we feel his pain...Joe Brancato’s direction allows us to slowly peel away the layers...'Daniel’s Husband' is well written and raises issues that are prevalent for any kind of marriage."
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"It would be easy to dismiss Michael McKeever’s play as the theatrical equivalent of a gay Lifetime movie...When catastrophe strikes, Mitchell has to pay a high price for his choices. Montelongo makes the most of this climactic moment...Joe Brancato’s direction is unobtrusive. While this cautionary tale is both manipulative and predictable, it is elevated by good actors who make the characters and relationships convincing and by high production values."
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