Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Kory Danielson's musical direction and the sound design by Jenna Moran, aided by Kevin Fairbairn's careful mixing, keep the songs from getting muddy in the smallest Theater Wit venue. However, what is still lacking in the show is a sense of deeper desperation from Lanning and a feeling that what is unspooling in front of us in 85 minutes isn't just Hedwig's past, but an epiphany and transformation - a transfiguration, really - between Hedwig and Yitzhak as they undertake the rock rituals of reinvention in all their glory and ridiculousness."
Centerstage - Highly Recommended
"...Go see for yourself. I offer you Haven Theater's production: a smoking gun, at least, if not irrefutable proof, of this musical's greatness. Ryan Manning does a great job as Hedwig, taking stage, audience, and band by the hand (or by the hair, if need be); compelling, singing, pleading to be heard. The music is loud, the band is appropriately trashy, and Lauren Paris, playing Hedwig's Yitzhak, can really sing, man, she can belt it out with the best of them."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...there’s still plenty here to entertain, including a charismatic performance from its lead (wo)man Lanning. Funny, committed and likable, even if Lanning doesn’t set about to reinvent the wheel, he at the very least shows himself a master craftsman. There’s still some work needed (from director and talent alike) in cleaning up Hedwig’s emotional transitions. But Lauren Paris as Hedwig’s “Man Friday through Thursday” Yitzhak comes equipped with some powerful singing chops, helping give Haven’s production a much-needed rock edge. And the four-piece rock band, led by musical director Kory Danielson, sounds electric (even as they occasionally drown out the voices)."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended
"...Under Kyle Trent's lacking direction, the tortured relationship between Hedwig and Yitzhak is almost devoid of impact. Paris is perfectly austere and removed which plays off Lanning's flamboyance and vociferousness. Paris finds the balance between her offstage character and performance persona; it is a treat to watch Yitzhak come to life in front of the microphone."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended
"...HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH is a unique, theatrical experience. It's funny. It's loud. It's thought-provoking. It's a perfect late night alternative to the ordinary."
Huffington Post - Recommended
"...under Kyle Trent's straightforward direction, this Hedwig seems more dutifully presentational, with the connecting moments between songs treated as an afterthought. The final moments, which typically leave me wrecked, found me dry-eyed. It also doesn't help that Jenna Moran's sound design, while staying true to the underground spirit of the piece, is far too easily overpowered by the rocking four-person band. If I wasn't already familiar with the show, Trask's haunting lyrics would be a muffled mystery."
