Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...Think you've seen "42nd Street" before? Not with jazz-funk orchestrations and a rock drum set and a truly diverse cast, you haven't. Not with an ABBA-like synthesizer underpinning "We're in the Money." Not with echoes of "A Chorus Line." Not with a "Shuffle Off to Buffalo" that feels filtered through Chance the Rapper. Not with a line of chorus girls dancing off to the Gypsy Tea Kettle as if they were the opening credits to "Shaft." Not with choreography far closer to Savion Glover than Gower Champion."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...If you happened to hear the beat of dancing feet on Sunday evening – or, more to the point, felt the volcanic vibrations of a thunderous cast of tappers – you should know that the sound emanated from Oakbrook’s Drury Lane Theatre. That is where a downright revolutionary edition of “42nd Street” is now electrifying audiences with its unforgettable score by Harry Warren and Al Dubin."
Daily Herald - Somewhat Recommended
"...Yet the question that often comes to mind with Drury Lane Theatre's well-cast but flawed revival is: "What were they thinking?" Park Ridge native Michael Heitzman makes a muddled directorial debut with a production of questionable sonic stylings, rearranged scenes and stripped-back scenery."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Stewart and Bramble's intentionally cliche-filled book feels more shopworn than charming. And the ill-conceived orchestration's attempt to make the many wonderful old songs in the score sound more "contemporary" (to 1980 ears) only gives the show the feel of a bad cruise-ship revue. Michael Heitzman's ensemble is solid, though-Gene Weygandt makes a wonderful, curmudgeonly director-and Emilio Sosa's period costumes are pure eye candy."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...A Big Broadway director has a show that will bring his glory back. The man who is financing the show has a girlfriend who he desires to have the starring role. She as it turns out is past her prime ( dance-wise) and has her own ideas when it comes to romance. A young chorus-line-wannabe gets pushed to the side, but due to circumstances beyond her control is placed in a position to save the show! That is the basic idea of this 1980 Tony Award winner for Best Musical. Yes, I have seen this play numerous times, but have to tell you that under the direction of Michael Heitzman (who follows the patterns set by original director Gower Champion) and with unreal choreography by Jared Grimes, I found myself on the edge of my seat anticipating each number to see where they had modernized or altered it. Remember, this was 37 years ago!"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Chicago theatergoers tired of the same old familiar musicals, produced almost identically every time, and looking for a creative, new approach to an old favorite, this show will fit the bill. It’s still the same “42nd Street” story, but with newly updated orchestrations and livelier tempos. The show’s still a lot of fun. And Drury Lane’s Equity production offers a large, talented cast, all singing and dancing their hearts out to a joyously infectious score. Decked out in gorgeous costumes and staged with loads of pizzazz, this production entertains with spunk and spirit. For younger audiences, it’s a fine introduction to the quintessential backstage song and dance fable. And when everyone goes into his dance, this effervescent production will bring some much-welcome warmth and carefree brightness to Chicago’s chilly Autumn."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Recommended
"...The key roles go to Kimberly Immanuel as Peggy Sawyer and Gene Weygandt as the dictatorial director Julian Marsh. Immanuel is a slip of a girl but she can dance up a firestorm and she sings well. She is just winsome enough to give her character some heft beyond the two dimensional girl-who-steps-out-of-the-chorus cliche. Weygandt has been one of the area's most reliable actors no matter what the type of show at hand, and he brings home the crusty Marsh handsomely and shows a potent singing voice that may surprise some audience members who know him as a straight play actor."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Even a full 24 hours after the final curtain of Drury Lane Theatre's jaw dropping opening night production of 42nd Street, I am viscerally awed and emotionally spent."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Highly Recommended
"...If you're looking for a festive family outing this holiday season, '42nd Street' delivers the goods along with lots of glitz. Now playing at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, the much-beloved musical is charged with perky tunes and high-energy dancing. Tap dancing, that is."
Picture This Post - Somewhat Recommended
"...Director Michael Heitzman brought 42ND STREET to the 21st century from the actors on stage to the sound coming from the musicians. For those who love the original 42ND STREET and are expecting all art decco with pure jazz hits, this interpretation of the show might not be for you. But if you’re looking for a show that’s a new take on an old classic, you’ll fit right at home here."
