Louis And Keely Live At The Sahara Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...There is, I am happy to report, a lot going on in Crivello's performance, and he's no slouch when it comes to re-creating that frenetic Prima onstage persona, which was all part of a desperate need for control. There is, perhaps, a Broadway show beginning to emerge here. Fixes are needed. The show is too long for a one act but ideal for an intermission. The production values and the size of the very decent band would need a boost."

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...The hand of producer Hershey Felder is ever-present. He designed the fluid sets (and there is ideal lighting by Richard Norwood, video by Masha Tatarintseva, costumes and wigs by Tristan Tom and sound by Erik Carstensen). And together with Hackford and the stellar cast, his brand of musical storytelling continues to be in a category all its own."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...There are plenty of A Star Is Born-style Hollywood cliches here-it's no surprise when Prima and Smith's personal and professional lives hit the rocks (over and over)-but Anthony Crivello and Stewart sizzle as Prima and Smith, and the live band backing them is terrific."

Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended

"...But it’s in the separating solos where you taste the pain when the act (what a great term for a showbiz marriage!) is over. A Pygmalion minus his Muse, Crivello, so charming in “Pennies From Heaven,” erupts in a mad scene worthy of “Rose’s Turn”: His lacerating “I Ain’t Nobody” sings just how he felt without Keely to improve on his original. In turn, her deeply rooted “Autumn Leaves” charts just how much she’s matured from the star who was “born.” Yes, they make music magic but, when they can’t, won’t and don’t, the pain is as palpable as the pleasure was contagious. It’s all there so don’t be square."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...For a nostalgic trip to an era that featured high energy night club talents be sure to book seats for Louis & Keely 'Live' at The Sahara at the Royal George. My 20something guest loved the show and he had no exposure to that 50/60's style music and no knowledge of Louis & Keely but he was amazed and appreciated their craft as entertainers. Don't miss this wonderful show."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...From start to finish, this is a production that is both entertaining and educational (one of Felder’s trademarks), with a set (by Hershey , himself), choreography by Vernel Bagneris, Video design by Mariya Tatarintseva, sound by Erik Carstensen, Lighting by Richard Norwood and costumes by Melissa Bruning and Christianna Rogers. They say true perfection can only be completed when all the players have their heart and soul into the creation of the work. based on what I saw at tonight’s opening, this group has met their goal."

Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Recommended

"..."Louis and Keely Live at the Sahara" is essentially a two-character show but it is augmented by a pair of supporting performers (Paul Perroni and Erin Matthews) who play assorted characters who pass through the lives of the stars. The musical underpinning of the original Prima-Smith act was honking tenor saxophone player Sam Butera who led an accompanying jump band called the Witnesses. The band at the Royal George swings nicely enough though the sax soloist doesn't quite manage Butera's super-fat rhythm and blues sound."