Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...This newish musical version, directed in Aurora by Nick Bowling, has its origins in Chicago in 2011. I loved this exceptionally well-constructed show when I first saw it at the Chicago Theatre, admiring both the score (which is by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, a terrific pair of young songwriters) and the emotional honesty of the piece, even though it closely tracks the film. There is one particular song, "Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana," wherein a chorus of kids wait for their Hoosier Santa, that is a really fabulous lyrical composition, not least because it catches the specificity of our notions of Santa - if you live in northwest Indiana, you think of Santa flying up from Evansville. The NORAD Santa tracker is one thing; your own state - your own place and time - is what really matters."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"..."A Christmas Story: The Musical" - now in a high-spirited, warm-hearted, gently subversive production at Aurora's Paramount Theatre - is an intimate family story injected with great bursts of nostalgia, as well as imagination both childlike and adult in nature."
Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"...The cast -- surely among the hardest working ensembles currently on stage -- is first-rate, especially the young performers. Also earning kudos are Jeffrey D. Kmiec's sets, particularly the Parkers' cramped but cozy two-story house and Ralphie's retro classroom."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...I recall seeing the original version and must say, as always, The Paramount staff truly understands how to do a musical better than the original group. Director Nick Bowling , who has recently spread his wings into the local musical theater area, once again shows his true heart and soul of making even a so-so musical a terrific entertainment value."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This much-anticipated holiday show, one of the first regional productions of this 2013 Tony nominated musical, doesn’t disappoint. Elegantly and imaginatively produced, Nick Bowling’s production sparkles with energy and dazzles with talent. It also reminds us of why the holidays are so important. Here is a finely-staged toe-tapping musical, brimming with heart, love and memories. It’s not only a beautifully nostalgic tribute to a more innocent time, it’s a reminder of the importance of family values. Here, nestled in Aurora, is a high caliber, entertaining couple of hours that is bound to get everyone into the Christmas spirit."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Luckily for Chicagoland musical theatre audiences, the brilliant creative folks at Aurora's Paramount Theatre heed well. Their thoroughly enjoyable production of A Christmas Story: The Musical does, first and foremost, what it must-it stays true to the 1983 cult classic film that spawned a 2000 play and this 2013 Tony-nominated musical."