Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Douglas Carter Beane's book does not improve on the original efforts by Hammerstein, mostly because it still wants its romantic fairy tale cake along with a hefty dose of irony and self-awareness. Romance and snark are not easy bedfellows. This "Cinderella" is overstuffed with a B-plot right out of "Mamma Mia!" and the kind of visual tricks you expect at "Shrek" or "Spamalot" but not at such a lushly scored show, and, in general, a sensibility so arch you find yourself struggling to believe in much at all."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...The production is blessed with a solid ensemble cast possessing powerhouse voices and equally formidable dance prowess (Josh Rhodes’ choreography is top-notch). The marvelous sets by Anna Louizos — lush forests, quaint country cottages and grand palace ballrooms — appear to pop out of a wondrous storybook. The beautiful costumes designed by William Ivey Long, whose color palette and incomparable use of fabrics knows no bounds, are stunning at every turn. The ingenious quick-change artistry employed for the ball gown “reveals” (there are actually two of them in the stage version) brought thunderous ovations."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...The score remains charming and vibrant (though additional songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein have been added), and the production itself is first-rate, packed with superb performances. (How strong is the ensemble? On opening night understudy Audrey Cardwell rocked the house when she stepped into the lead midperformance.) But Douglas Carter Beane's awkward update of the book strains to be funny, and adds needless complications to a fine show that doesn't need them."
ShowBizChicago - Highly Recommended
"...Everything about this production has a Broadway patina, from the splendidly simple but beautiful magical set designed by Anna Louizos, the gorgeous costumes by Tony-Award Winning designer William Ivey Long and outstanding wig design by Paul Huntley. It is everything that a fairy tale should be; lush, vivid and magical."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Cinderella is, by far, the finest National Touring Equity musical to grace a Chicago stage in years! It is a wonderful, beautifully staged and a gorgeously presented musical. It has all the elements of a fabulous family experience: a marvelous, lush score by Richard Rodgers with the smart lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. It has eye-popping sets and costumes (set design by Anna Louizos, costumes by William Ivey Long). It has a new book by Douglas Carter Beane that updates and adds heart to Hammerstein’s fable."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The score is delightful and while we do not get a “Bibidee Bobidee Boo” , we do get quite a bit of magic as rags become gowns, critters become footman, mice become horses, and a pumpkin becomes a coach. Our Fairy Godmother, is in reality Crazy Marie ( the amazing Kecia Lewis) a street person, so to speak that is offered warmth by Cinderella and is repaid with the magic of the power of believing. The Prince is deftly handled by Andy Jones, who has been kept away from the reality of his kingdom by his Prime Minister, Sebastian (Blake Hammond). There is havoc in the land with people losing their homes and land due to the cheating ways of Sebastian."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...With expert direction by Mark Brokaw, a cast that outshines the new script and lavish choreography and technical support that makes jaws drop, this family-friendly confection is a great chance for mothers and daughters to reconnect with their inner princesses. An excellent National Tour that offers so much joy and magic is rare and well-appreciated, especially during the holiday season. Theatergoers will certainly get their money’s worth of entertainment in this production, enough happiness to fill a dozen pair of glass slippers."
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...In this production, Cinderella becomes a real role model for the young and old. She’s no longer the poster child to ‘marry well.‘ She also teaches lessons of social justice, kindness and compassion. This IS a fairy tale for the ages! Well done, CINDERELLA!"