Barney the Elf presented by The Other Theatre Company at The Greenhouse Theater Center

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...The "Queen Chorus" drag trio of Jack Bauer, Jacob Gilchrist and Jennings Wynn, along with a sextet of elves back at the North Pole, provide comic asides and occasionally belabored musical interludes (though "It's Snowing Men" proved to be a crowd-pleaser). The central dynamic between Lopez's wide-eyed and, well, elfin, innocence and Cartwright's bruised-but-buoyant drag chanteuse provides surprising emotional payoffs."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Bryan Renaud's alternately childlike and crude romp gets the most important element right: the unaccountable love affair between Barney, an incessantly cheery elf banished from the gay-unfriendly North Pole, and Zooey, a vain, cynical Chicago drag queen. As the unlikely couple Yando Lopez and Dixie Lynn Cartwright are ridiculous, open-hearted, trashy, and touching, finding enduring emotional truth amid the foolishness. If Renaud and company can bring the rest of the show up to their level, they may have a genuine holiday classic on their hands."

Chicago Theatre Review - Somewhat Recommended

"...While this play with music may not appeal to everyone, those looking for something light, colorful and gay, with a holiday message of Peace on Earth and Good Will to Men, will enjoy this show. Yando Lopez and Dixie Lynn Cartwright are the strongest reasons for seeing this production and, while this is no Elf on the Shelf, the pixie-like, golden-toned Mr. Lopez is likely to tickle everyone's fancy."

The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended

"...I really enjoyed BARNEY THE ELF. It’s crass and classy at the same time. This one goes on the naughty and nice list in both categories. And sidenote to Hell in a Handbag: watch out, these Lincoln Park drag queens are fierce. I see a holiday smackdown between CHRISTMAS DEAREST and BARNEY THE ELF."