Madagascar - A Musical Adventure Reviews
Chicago Tribune- Not Recommended
"...In past years, CST's summer shows often have eclipsed the costlier attractions in the Loop. This one does not deliver anything even remotely competitive with, say, Disney's spectacular "Aladdin." You're better spending your money in the balcony there, while you still have some fun days of summer left."
Chicago Sun Times- Highly Recommended
"...If you think the 2005 DreamWorks film version of "Madagascar" was animated, be advised: You ain't seen nothing yet. The stage musical inspired by that film is now generating 70 minutes of perpetual motion and nonstop joy at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater where a cast of living, breathing, feverishly animated humans possesses enough energy to power every man and beast between New York's Central Park Zoo and the large island nation in the Indian Ocean that gives the show its title. It is, without question, the hippest, funniest, most anthropologically mischievous musical in town."
Chicago Reader- Highly Recommended
"...It's a zany, more kid-friendly riff on The Lion King, following the adventures of Alex the Lion (Jordan Brown) Marty the Zebra (Gilbert Domally), Gloria the Hippo (Lisa Estridge), and Melman the Giraffe (Stephen Schellhardt) once they break out of New York's Central Park Zoo and find themselves marooned on the island of Madagascar. The potent mix of danceable pop tunes ("Move It" brought all to their feet when I attended), lessons on friendship, and sly humor for the adults (mainly from the mischievous penguins) translates well in Chicago Shakes's polished production."
Chicago On the Aisle- Highly Recommended
"...The cast was solid, especially the warm-voiced Gilbert Domally as Marty, the zebra who just wants to see the wild and find himself. Domally, in his black and white mohawk mane and face paint, was convincingly wistful. Stephen Schellhardt got a lot of laughs as the cowardly giraffe Melman, who is most afraid of missing his upcoming doctor's appointments. I wished for a greater contrast when Jordan Brown, as Alex, goes from being a spoiled but affable pal to feeling real hunger and his natural instinct as predator for the first time; but then, that could have resulted in hundreds of crying kindergartners, so maybe he handled it just right."
ChicagoCritic- Highly Recommended
"...This is a really fun and fabulous show and really you should move it, move it and get there. Children or no children-all ages will enjoy. I laughed a lot and even danced a bit! My 10 year old Ella, who just happened to perform in this show at The Stage School in Park Ridge summer camp was especially keen of the production and well versed with the characters (having played a few herself) and said to give it as many stars as I could!"
Around The Town Chicago- Highly Recommended
"...The music is directed by Germaine Hill who along with his other three musicians made the theater at Navy Pier rock (Julia Schade Armstrong, Sean McNeely and Ethan Deppe). The set (Scott Davis) was very cool and they used the stage to perfection. Jesus Perez handled the costumes which were sensational."
Chicago Theatre Review- Highly Recommended
"...Chocked full of broad comedy, toe-tapping pop/rock hit songs and exciting choreography, this may be a musical aimed at young audiences, but theatergoers of all ages are bound to go wild for it. Costumed in Jesus Perez’s colorful, cleverly stylish and anthropomorphic costumes, with wigs and makeup by Richard Jarvie, this production is staged with spirit and heart by Rachel Rockwell."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre- Highly Recommended
"...The cast and crew go beyond the stage to make this experience a positive one for the children who attend. The program has activities and games in it. In the lobby are themed drinks and a craft table. They also provide patrons a chance to take photos and ask questions of the actors individually after each performance."