Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...I rather wish that the ensemble's gorgeous rendition of the title song from that show would be the not-so-happy end, but this is a revue and the hits must be heard. So a crowd-pleasing Bobby Darinesque take on "Mack the Knife" closes the evening. But taken in total, "A Kurt Weill Cabaret" adds up to an enchanting and thoughtful little dark star of a show."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...In this setting, Fred Anzevino’s fine five-person ensemble (Kellie Cundiff, Christopher Logan, Jordan Phelps, Michael Reyes, and Jill Sesso) can't help but soar; even small voices sound big here, and big voices send out a joyful noise. Underpinning them all is strong, confident piano from music director Jeremy Ramey."
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...And there’s connection on a bigger scale, too; Theo Ubique’s shrewd selection of songs from Weill’s deep catalog creates a satisfying arc, the first half of them outlining the dark and recklessly longing spirit that filled German cabarets between the two World Wars, and the latter suffused with the bright and charming yearning of the golden age of Broadway. Even though the show’s shift is more atmospheric than narrative, a story is told within each song, shared with urgency, not strain."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...The very best selections come last as the company sink themselves into a deeply moving and elaborately haunting a cappella “Lost in the Stars”—as existential a statement of our plight on this planet as ever played Broadway—and finally, inevitably, “Mack the Knife,” done in full 40s’ syncopated swing, a perfect way to end an enthralling evening."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Regardless of which Weill you prefer, this show is not to be missed by any of his fans, or any fan of musicals generally. Considering what you get, the tickets are a bargain even at their top price. People nostalgic for the forties will have a great time, but you don't really need to be familiar with the shows the Act II songs were taken from to enjoy them. Act I could have worked just by itself and will delight anyone who enjoys currently popular musicals like Cabaret or Urinetown and wants to discover that style's roots. Together, there's something for everyone and a chance to learn to appreciate a different side of Weill's work."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...How lucky are we! The people of Chicago are blessed that Fred Anzevino and his Theoubique Cabaret Theatre exists in Rogers Park. In this quaint an dintimate space on Glenwood Avenue- a place that I recall from the folk song days of the 1960′s, Anzevino and his ensemble bring us full scale musicals brought down to the intimacy of a “cabaret” performance on a regular basis, but where he truly shines, is bringing us true Cabaret performance pieces. In fact, kidding with him at tonight’s opening of “A Kur Weill cabaret”, I said to him that his middle name could be Cabaret- he laughed, but shook his head with a smile. He understands what Cabaret should be and brings the best to our city."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...The power of great music is that it speaks to each individual in different ways and has the ability to generate memories. Kurt Weill’s music, even while sometimes unfamiliar to audiences, has that ability, even when heard for the first time. In Theo Ubique’s polished, professional salute to cabaret theatre, a skill Fred Anzevino and his team never fail to master, pre- and post-WWII Berlin comes alive. The moods inherent in Weill’s nostalgic music quietly prompt emotions to surface as easily as a long forgotten secret. For lack of a better word…call it September."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Somewhat Recommended
"...The real hero of the enterprise is Jeremy Ramey, who provides the fresh arrangements and the piano accompaniment for all the songs and displays an impressive keyboard technique. Ramey is at home in styles ranging from classical to pop to barrelhouse. I found myself at times paying more attention to his musicianship than to what was happening on the stage and in the theater aisles. Ramey is a two-handed percussive player and, sitting only a few feet from him, I frequently had trouble understanding the singers over the fortissimo piano."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...Pitch perfect tones, excellent choreography, arresting acting, and great costumes on a minimalist set are the trademark qualities of Theo Ubique productions. If you've enjoyed their high quality performances in the past, you will not find this the least bit surprising."
