Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Yet director Ed Rutherford's production here feels a little too cautious for its own good, despite some engaging performances. Obviously the small-theater aesthetic can't allow for the kinds of funhouse effects Selick achieved in his film, but there needs to be a greater sense of clammy danger for Sheridan Singleton's spunky heroine as the shadows fall over the world controlled by Other Mother (Ryan Lanning). Without it, we never quite identify with Coraline's growing maturity as she learns the classic lessons all children in dark tales seem to acquire — be careful what you wish for (or, as Coraline puts it, "I don't want whatever I want"), being brave isn't the same as not being afraid, etc."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Spunky Coraline Jones (Sheridan Singleton) travels through a netherworld she discovers in her London apartment building; it's here that she meets Other Mother, a seductive, terrifying creator of a world featuring noisy toys, dog theater, and humans with black-button eyes. As in all important journeys, our heroine learns a few things along the way: what it means to be brave and the odd truth that we don’t really want to get what we want—at least not all the time. Nick Sula directs the musical score by Stephin Merritt, which includes songs written specifically for toy piano."
Edge - Highly Recommended
"...The cast is really very talented and they and the crew deserve credit for making the most of a limiting space. Kevin Bishop and Caitlin Jackson as the Misses Forcible and Spink, respectively, strike the perfect balance of unwavering affection and loyalty with biting, bitter competition. Ryan Lanning is chilling as the Other Mother and Justin Kimrey swings ably between likable and gruesome as both Father and Other Father. Jennifer T. Grubb and Jeff Bouthiette round out the cast, and their ensemble performances really make a challenging show function."
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...Director Edward Rutherford, who formed the ad hoc Black Button Eyes Productions for the purpose of producing this Chicago premiere, creates a number of striking devices: Whenever the ubiquitous fog is mentioned, for instance, it's created by clapping chalkboard erasers; the lost souls appear out of total darkness as a trio of floating baby-doll heads, creepily lit from within."
ChicagoCritic - Not Recommended
"...I must say that the production was innovative, ambitious, as the cast worked hard to land the material. Too bad it mostly fell flat. Tone problems, poor lighting, over-the-top camp interruptions lost any resemblance to fantasy. One patron upon leaving the theatre was extremely upset at the production stating that she thought it was nothing like the novel or the film. I can't comment on that but I can state that as a musical, Coraline was flat and tedious. I'd skip this one."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...Non-Equity regulars Kevin Bishop, Jennifer T. Grubb. Ryan Lanning, Jeffrey Bouthiette, and Kevin Webb all do the good work you expect of them. Bishop is delightfully paired with Caitlin Jackson as a pair of over-the-hill actresses, and Webb is an excellent cat. Grubb does not get too much to do as mother, but Ryan Lanning is appropriately terrifying as Other Mother. Sheridan Singleton, cast in the title role, despite her hard work, is not as interesting as the other characters."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...While David Greenspan’s adaptation is faithful to Neil Gaiman’s book, it’s Stephin Merritt’s score, musically directed and played by the talented Nick Sula, that provides much of the play’s ghostly atmosphere. The songs aren’t necessarily memorable but they do their job, conveying the devilish fright and fun of Gaiman’s story. And while this musical story may be a draw for younger audiences and their families, the production may prove a bit too frightening for younger children. However, for Gaiman’s adult fans and older kids this will be a treat that’ll provide some delightful chills on a hot summer day."