Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...This is a songbook about street waifs and bounders, a good girl who can be bad, optimists and pessimists, the lonely and the cynical - emblematic characters who make it through each day on a diet of hopes and dreams. A lovely revue of a songbook given just the right context."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...This amusing, intimate evening of songs by the British songwriting team of Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, performed by five non-Equity triple threats, does a pretty good job of downplaying the weaknesses in these middlebrow pop tunes from the 60s and 70s (pretentious lyrics, mawkish sensibility) while showcasing the qualities that made them hits in the first place (memorable tunes, clever wordplay, sweet dollops of schmaltz)."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...Happiness needs no dilution or excuse. Abounding in Rogers Park, this summer special spills over the stage and lingers in the hearts as much as ears of grateful crowds between now and the end of July. Their 1965 song modestly sums it up-"Feeling Good"-and the 1964 number "It Isn't Enough.""
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...This cast creates a spell both with their acting/singing skill making this 80 minute show into a polished art piece that Beckett would enjoy as well as Newley and Brisusse. An Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse Songbook is a most entertaining revue with energetic singers covering a sophisticated songbook of almost forgotten composers. This review is a showcase for a fresh, youthful and amazingly talented newbie - Graham Thomas Heacock. His infectious smile with is golden tenor and his acting adds to his ability to sing in a pure cockney accent makes his professional debut most impressive. Casting directors need to see all the Theo Ubique productions to witness new talents like Heacock, Mitchell, Armstrong, Anderson and Hauser. This review will introduce folks to the genius of Newley and Bricusse. Art and entertainment combine to be a fine summer treat."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Amazingly, many people have no idea who they were and that these were their creations. But Fred Anzevino, Artistic Director of TheoUbique Cabaret Theatre, located in Rogers Park, not only knows the music of these men, he adores their creations, so when selecting this summer’s “cabaret” show, why not go with music you love. Along with his co-director, Courtney Crouse, they have conceived and directed this glorious 80 minutes of musical elegance on the intimate stage at No Exit Cafe, their storefront “cabaret” space on Glenwood Avenue in Rogers Park."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Once again the creative team of Anzevino and Crouse, ably assisted by Jeremy Ramey’s brilliant musical direction, arrangement and classy piano accompaniment, and choreographed by the multitalented Maggie Portman, have presented a gorgeous musical revue that melds the familiar with the obscure. This production will both entertain and educate, dazzling the viewer with exciting new talent, clothed in William Morey’s evocative costumes and played upon Adam Veness’ simple, yet stunning cabaret setting. This much-welcome addition to the hot time, Summer-in-the-city that is Chicago will leave audiences “Feeling Good.”"
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...“The Anthony Newley-Leslie Bricusse Songbook” is intended as an agreeable summer diversion. Its 70 minutes is just right for composers who probably couldn’t sustain a longer “greatest hits” evening. The ensemble keeps the eye as well as the ear involved throughout, abetted the twin-arch brick backdrop designed by Adam Veness, William Morey’s stylishly shabby costumes, and James Kolditz’s lighting. With a sharp left turn in attitude, this group of performers and backstage artists could be the foundation for an edgy “Threepenny Opera” that would be well worth seeing. But as a bon bon for a summer night, it will do very nicely."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...For this 80-minute evening of songs, Directors Fred Anzevino and Courtney Crouse choose a varied selection of ballads and uptempo pieces from the duo's songbook Each tune is lovingly crafted and sparingly accompanied by musical director Jeremy Ramey alone on piano, making for seamless transitions from character to character, moment to moment."
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"...It's Heacock's performance throughout that is truly the standout, though. Time and time again, Anzevino has shown an ability to discover incredible new talent and with the cherub-faced Heacock, he has done it again. Heacock will make you bust out laughing in one verse and then move you to tears in the next. His performance of the standard "Who Can I Turn To" will break your heart in its honest sincerity. I am most interest to see what Heacock does next as a performer."
