Jabari Dreams of Freedom presented by Chicago Children's Theatre at Ruth Page Center For Arts

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...In its best moments, "Jabari," which imagines the young Obama in his bedroom dreaming with his mom, gives you an advanced sense of how pivotal the existence of that presidency might be for young people with outsize aspirations and enough caring adults around to tend to their safety and their dreams."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...“Jabari Dreams of Freedom,” Nambi E. Kelley’s world premiere play for Chicago Children’s Theatre, is born out of the sense that no matter how complex race relations happen to be in this country at the moment, many kids have absolutely no knowledge of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s – either in terms of the courageous efforts required to make it happen, or the formidable changes it ultimately brought about."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Pitched to elementary-school kids ages nine and up, the message of the show doesn’t go much deeper than "Here's this noteworthy person" (insert Martin Luther King Jr.), "Here's this one" (insert President Barack Obama), but the production, directed by Lili-Anne Brown, is lively and entertaining, full of energetic dances and interesting, eye-pleasing costumes (by Mieka van der Ploeg) and sets (by William Boles). Brown’s fine ensemble delivers the kind of tight, polished, committed performances one wishes one saw more often in shows for grown-ups."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...This children’s guide to Civil Rights also includes a well-designed playbill for each theatergoer that doubles as an activity book. It’s filled with fun activities, facts for discussion and features a fine bibliography of suggested books to extend the theatrical experience even further. Chicago Children’s Theatre productions simply get better and better with each offering and this play is one that simply can’t be beat."

Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended

"...Script issues aside, Jabari Dreams of Freedom has all the makings of a hit. It's well-done, smart and conducive to many post-show discussions and activities. The show entertains and educates children and adults alike, nicely encapsulating important events and encouraging young people to effect positive change. These messages are strong on their own - no animal costumes necessary."