Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...And there's no question that the show's director, David Heimann, found three talented young women capable of replicating the sisters' harmonic style: Sarah Larson, Jordan Yentz and Casi Maggio. As costumed and bewigged by Bill Morey and Michael Buonincontro, the women look like the glamorous sisters, and their singing is excellent throughout. The musical direction is by Alex Newkirk, who also leads the three-piece band of piano, drums and boogie-woogie boy."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...The Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, that indomitable little storefront operation in Rogers Park that won four major Non-Equity Jeff Awards Monday night, does a near miraculous job of reinventing Broadway musicals, and putting the snap, crackle and pop into original revues based on the great American songbook. If you have yet to discover the company, or if you just need to be reminded of the immense wit, technical polish and heart it brings to everything it touches, the theater’s newest show, “A Musical Tribute to the Andrews Sisters,” is a terrific entry point."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Sarah Larson, Casi Maggio, and Jordan Yentz never convincingly bring the trio to life, nor do their musically correct but passionless interpretations of these familiar old tunes move us or teach us anything new about the material—or the era. Instead director David Heimann and music director Alex Newkirk have crafted a meek little show that feels like a nice lunchtime entertainment at a retirement home."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...Aaron Benham’s arrangements and Alex Newkirk’s musical direction perfectly complement a cleverly organized entertainment that features lesser known solo opportunities (“I Can Dream, Can’t I?,” “Shoo Shoo, Baby,” “Nice Work if You Can Get It”) as well as an “around the world” suite (“Ciribiribin,” “Rum and Coca Cola,” “Tico Tico,” “South American Way,” and “Yodelin’ Jive”), and a polka medley (“Pennsylvania Polka, “Too Fat Polka”). The songs sell themselves as much as the ladies’ crooning—“Don’t Fence Me In,” “Oh, Johnny! Oh, Johnny!,” “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” “Swing, Swing, Swing, “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” and the World War II heartbreaker “I’ll be Seeing You.” On top of every note are Newkirk on piano, Anthony Scandora on percussion, and Derek Fitting (alternating with Jared Montgomery) on brass. Larson, Yentz, and Maggio go gold as you watch them. We’ve got this Hitler guy beat, no question! (Oops, time trip completed…)"
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Whether or not you’ve ever heard of the Andrews Sisters, I’m positive you’ve heard their music in one form or another. Their music and style has infused itself into American pop culture and there’s no shaking it loose. Although the younger generation didn’t grow up with the Andrews Sisters music, they’ve most likely heard their grandparents playing them or in the background of old cartoons and period films. A Musical Tribute to The Andrews Sisters is a thoroughly entertaining revue, making old and young feel nostalgic. Between the dimly lit cabaret, the set, lighting, beautiful hair, make-up, costumes, stoic band, and knockout performers, I felt as if I had stepped into a time machine. The Theo Ubique staff worked extremely hard to make it an immersive evening, going so far as to change the centerpieces on our tables between the acts."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...When it comes to “Cabaret” theater, nobody does it better than the folks at TheoUbique at their No Exit Cafe location in Rogers Park. While this Award winning theater company is unique in its ability to bring us full scale musicals in a storefront space, they shine at bringing us “chamber pieces” and true Cabaret, such as their current production ,”A Musical Tribute To The Andrew Sisters”. Alright! I know that many of you youngsters do not even know who the Andrew Sisters were, but if you are over 50, you should. If you go back in time, let’s say to World War Two, these famous sisters Patty, Maxine and LaVerne charmed the soldiers as they made their way to the bases during their USO Tours."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Featuring many songs that younger theatregoers will recognize and will take Baby Boomers on a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane, this show is a pure treat. The jitterbug bounce of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B,” the Latin rhythm of ”Rum and Coca Cola,” the military accent of “Anchors Aweigh” and the bright beat of “The Beer Barrel Polka” recall a more innocent time of radio and record players. From the lively “Accentuate the Positive” to the bittersweet ballad “I’ll Be Seeing You,” guaranteed to bring a wistful tear to the eye, this gorgeous revue is the perfect light summertime entertainment for every generation."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Recommended
"...I enjoyed the revue’s no frills approach. Having sat through too many local musicals lumbered with an inept book, I enjoyed a show that lets the music speak for itself. Even after more than half a century, the songs holds up well, and Heimann doesn’t fuss them up with excessive production values. Adam Veness has designed a basic set that serves equally well as a USO venue and a supper club. Bill Morey’s costumes and Michael Buonincontro’s wig designs place the spectator squarely in the war years. There is no faux sentimentality in the show and no patronizing to what today must seem like a period of American innocence. I don’t know what a twenty or thirty something crowd might make of the revue, but as one who can still fondly remember “Don’t Fence Me In” and “Shoo Shoo, Baby,” I had a very pleasurable time."
