Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...As is usually the case with Black Ensemble productions, the cast of dynamically talented singer-dancers is top-notch. Their renditions of such classic tunes as "Sh-Boom," "Only You," "In the Still of the Night," "Dedicated to the One I Love," I Only Have Eyes for You," "Crazy Little Mama," and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" perfectly capture doo-wop's distinctive mix of driving rhythm and cool, creamy close harmony. Tribute is also paid to solo artists such as Fats Domino ("I'm Walkin'"), Dinah Washington ("This Bitter Earth"), LaVern Baker ("Jim Dandy"), and the great Ruth Brown ("Please Send Me Someone to Love")."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Doo Wop Shoo Bop is a well sung tribute to the early R &B groups and the transition from Jazz and gospel to a new smooth contemporary sound that open the doors to Black music that became mainstream as it contributed to the American cultural experience. Don't miss this gem! it is running in repertory with The Sensational Soulful Sixties. I saw both in one day that emerged as one of the most glorious musical treats imaginable!"
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The current production is called “Doo Wop Shoo Bop” which take a look at the era called “Doo Wop”, otherwise the 1950’s and before. Groups such at The Platters, The Drifters, The Spaniels, The Bobbettes- Muci such as “Only You”, “I’m Walkin’ “, “Paper Doll”, “In The Still of the Night”, “Sh-Boom”, “Dedicated to the One I Love”, ” The Ten Commandments of Love”, “I Only Have Eyes For You”, “Yakety Yak” and so many others. The reason that I also placed this wonderful show at Cabaret as well as Theater is that this show might truly be classified as a Revue or cabaret evening. It is not a “book” show, although it does tell a story."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...The entire program plays like a smooth, sleek nightclub act, packaged with flair, polish and style. From Robert Reddrick’s gifted musical direction, as well as his six member band accompaniment, to Ruthanne Swanson’s lovely period costumes, this exquisite trip down memory lane is an absolute treat for the eye and ear. Beautiful singing, spirited choreography and sparkling personalities light up the stage reminding us that memories are made of these."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Recommended
"..."Doo Wop Shoo Bop" is first generation rock, centered on the doo wop style that flourished in the 1950's, created in many cases by teenagers still in high school. There were girl groups like the Bobbettes and the Shirelles, boy groups like the Chords and the Five Satins, and male soloists like Fats Domino and mighty women of rhythm and blues like LaVern Baker, Ruth Brown, and Dinah Washington. There were those catchy songs like "I'm Walkin'," "Sh-Boom," "Mr. Lee," "Only You," and virtually every number recorded by the Platters. Compilation shows like this always invite complaints about what was omitted (no Chuck Berry???), but it's impossible to argue that any of the songs in the show didn't belong."
Third Coast Review - Recommended
"...Doo Wop Shoo Bop is a rousing evening out for music buffs and people who are interested in the roots of today's music, as well as a beautiful celebration of an era and the people who made a deep and often overlooked impact on popular music."
