Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...How is Bowling's new production? Not bad at all. As with his staging of "The King and I," he knows how to use this in-the-round space in fresh ways, and "City of Angels" actually works very well in this space, since it allows you to keep moving the dividing line of the twin tales, and yet keep everything circuitously connected. Earley takes the deadpan prerequisite too far, I think, and this is one chilly performance, all in all. Thomas is decent, and warmer, as Stine, the guy who wrote Stone, and Weygandt, variously two different Hollywood moguls, offers broadly played amusements. Smart is also stylish and dry, and Smith, a Theo Ubique fave making her debut in such a role at the Marriott, sounds terrific on those great numbers."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Watching Marriott Theatre's altogether spectacular production of "City of Angels" - a musical that celebrates 1940s film noir in the most brilliant Technicolor style - it quickly becomes clear why this endlessly clever, bitingly funny, razor sharp, playfully sophisticated 1989 Broadway musical is so rarely revived."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...Film noir never wanted to be loved by its fans-cynicism and confidence can't combine. It encourages, even thrives on, distrust. So it makes perfect sense that City of Angels two-times its audience as much as its characters. But when we know we're being fooled, we become willing co-conspirators in some delicious double dealing."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...With such energetic songs, beautiful design, and clever storytelling, City of Angels is a sure afternoon or evening of great fun. Nick Bowling's direction makes it one of the rare shows that entertains fans of both traditional musicals and more abstract dramas, a perfect combination for the commercial theatre. Of course, some familiarity with older movies makes the show much more enjoyable, but its themes and cleverness make it a perfect bonding opportunity for families with teenagers, or young adults out with their grandparents. This musical has a little bite to it, which I admit was a pleasant surprise, and I hope to see it become better known."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...You probably won't have the chance again anytime soon to see a production of City of Angels and I'd go as far as saying that if you do it definitely won't be as good as this one. So, jump in the car and make the trip to The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire and I promise, you'll be glad you did and soon you too will be listening to the Original Cast Recording of the Broadway show on repeat just like me."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"..."City Of Angels" s a unique musical. No one knows any of the music! There is nothing to hum! In fact, there is nothing to remember at all about the music. The musical score is written in contemporary Jazz and be-bop styles, but the music in the show is IN the show to propel the story and allow the show to be classified as a "musical". The story is about the transformation of a best selling detective thriller novel into a movie during the seductive days of the 1940's Hollywood ("The City Of Angels").. The story is presented in both Black and White ( the film portion) and color, the author and Hollywood story, which is very hard to do in an arena or in-the-round venue. Marriott, with its very clever technical staff managed to pull it off."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Nick Bowling has infused his wonderful production of this seldom-seen musical with snap, crackle and pop along with a fresh, playfully naughty spirit. The show offers a pallet of smooth jazz and vibrant energy, enough to delight every film and musical theatre enthusiast. The Marriott design team has once again surpassed itself, sending this sophisticated show right into the lap of its audience and making this production feel like a true film noir detective movie. With a large, captivating cast, supported by Patti Garwood’s stellar, talented orchestra, every song and every line is delivered with style and elegance, creating the theatrical equivalent of a strong, dry martini with just a twist of bitter lemon."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Recommended
"..."City of Angels" probably will succeed more with musical theater zealots than patrons just looking for a jolly night out, but maybe I'm selling the taste of the contemporary theatergoer short. The production certainly deserves a more respectful fate than the 1993 Drury Lane disaster. "City of Angels" dares to be different and engage the attention of the audience at a more adult level than the typical musical. The show doesn't reach the heights of "The Maltese Falcon" or "The Big Sleep" but those books and movies didn't have the benefit of Meghan Murphy, worth the price of admission by herself."
