Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...When Hazel is on stage, that's all fun. When she's not — and, despite her intermittent narrative function, she's not there even close to enough — we do not give a darn. It is Hazel on the marquee and Hazel whom we want to see. At this juncture, though, there are two different musicals fighting for dominance."
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...Still, there's potential here. If director Joshua Bergasse, also a Tony-nominated choreographer (On the Town) who shoehorns in some engaging dance numbers, hasn't quite yet made a cohesive whole out of Hazel, it's already a lot more enjoyable than some shows that have made it to Broadway runs in recent seasons. And Drury Lane's cast, from top-tier lead Blackhurst to the savvy trio of kid actors portraying Harold's entourage, clearly convey how much fun they're having with the material. If Hazel's creators keep polishing it, this show might yet really shine."
ShowBizChicago - Not Recommended
"...As Hazel unfolded in front of me after the opening number I could not help asking myself why waste an "A" team of talent and great sums of money on an idea that was better left on the table. They have unquestionably assembled an outstanding cast and orchestra who have impeccably sharp comic timing and great chemistry with one another. But the score of unmemorable songs which seem half-baked coupled with a thin plot line does not make for a satisfying meal of theatrical faire. There are shows that are stage worthy and those that are not; Hazel, A Musical Maid in America fits into the latter category."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...As a musical, Hazel tries for a look and feel of Bye, Bye Birdie and those 1950-60's Broadway musicals but with a bland score by Ron Abel and simple choreography by Joshua Bergasse (who also directs), Hazel is a show in need of cuts and rethinking. Amazingly, the over developed sub-plots involving the military and UFO sightings and a tad too much about the four children draws away from the stage time for Hazel. Also the plot to have Bonkers Johnson (the terrific Ed Kross) fall romantically for Hazel just doesn't work. Add the not likable father George Baxter (Ken Clark) and the underdeveloped mother Dorothy (Summer Naomi Smart) need to be re-examined. There are some pointless showstoppers that seem to exist because the show's a musical rather than come out of the show's need to 'sing.'"
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...Another new musical has opened in the Chicago area. It is a musical version of an old television sit-com, "Hazel" ( bringing fame to actress Shirley Booth), having its World Premiere at Drury Lane. The sit-com was based on a cartoon character (or might we say caricature) drawn by Ted Key for The Saturday Evening Post (a weekly magazine for you youngsters...you might want to google the word magazine and see what that was all about). This new musical, with a book by Lissa Levin, music by Ron Abel and Lyrics by Chuck Steffan, has some very cute moments, with a wonderful lead performer, Ms Klea Blackhurst, bringing this character to life."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...This isn’t a show that’s going to set new theatrical standards. It’s an old-fashioned book musical, with a sweet story, a generous amount of humor and some pleasant, if unmemorable music. It’s Joshua Bergasse direction and choreography of his exceptionally talented ensemble, a real doozie of a cast, however, that makes this show such an enjoyably entertaining throwback to a more innocent time."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Recommended
"...We have had several successful musical comedy adaptations of comic strip characters (“Annie” anyone?) so it can be done. The current Drury Lane production is ingratiating and full of energy and Blackhurst is a treat. But the book pulls in too many mismatched directions. About halfway through the evening I was restlessly looking at a two-star show, but either the production gradually became more appealing or I adjusted to the difficulties in the narrative. So it’s worth seeing, with the hope that this version is just the first artistic step toward a real winner."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Not Recommended
"...What it might be finding out is that feature films are easier to turn into professional stage productions than are classic TV shows. Indeed Drury's world premiere of Hazel, A Musical Maid in America, illustrates kitsch that may have worked in a 1960s half-hour sitcom doesn't always transfer well to a full-length musical 60 years removed from the original material."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Most important to the production’s success, however, is Klea Blackhurst who offers up just the right amount of sass and good intention. The rest of the cast also deserves praise. Summer Naomi Smart (Mrs. Baxter) and Ken Clark (Mr. Baxter) elevate their roles well beyond sitcom dimensions. The child actors also deserve special mention. Casey Lyons, Tyler Martin, Ava Morse and Rowan Moxley provide a lot of fun and humor. Ed Kross amuses as the over-the-top business innovator, Bonkers Johnson. For those who cannot afford the luxury of a live-in maid, it might make sense to make the drive to Oak Brook."
