Chicago Tribune
- Highly Recommended
"...Harms, whose credits are formidable, is no slouch in the vocal department, but at this point in his career, he's not going to raise the roof of the Cahn Auditorium. Frankly, he has more important business in hand. Harms is a good bit older than your standard Don Quixote/Cervantes (it's a play within a play) and a great deal more vulnerable. But what serves this piece so well is not just Harms' very evident morality, which is one of the crucial themes of this piece. It's his fascination with other people on the stage with him."
Chicago Sun Times
- Highly Recommended
"...The altogether exceptional revival now onstage at Evanston’s Cahn Auditorium marks a new high for the company. Not only has director-choreographer Rudy Hogenmiller gathered a starry, ideally blended cast. But his dynamic, crystal-clear storytelling, his very adult treatment of a pivotal rape scene, his imaginative use of Adam L. Veness’ thrilling set (expertly lit by Andrew H. Meyers), and the glorious sound coming from the large orchestra under the direction of guest conductor Nyela Basney, combine to give this “Man of La Mancha” all the fiery intensity and satirical edge it demands."
Centerstage
- Highly Recommended
"...Very few theatrical pleasures compare with the trumpet fanfare that opens "Man of La Mancha," the musical classic currently playing at Light Opera Works. The rousing overture, performed here as it was intended, is just a teaser for the magic that lies ahead: a Tony-winning musical full of stunning songs like “Dulcinea” and “The Impossible Dream." Nyela Basney passionately conducts her talented, 16-piece orchestra, bringing the stirring Spanish-infused score to life."
Stage and Cinema
- Highly Recommended
"...It’s become a tradition to end a review of a Light Opera Works production by lamenting that so much talent and so many theatrical resources are poured into a show that runs only nine performances. This is a fine revival and you would be well-advised to get your tickets now."
ChicagoCritic
- Highly Recommended
"...This production features a strong cast of supporting plays many of which excelled as singers including Bill Chamblerlain who landed “To Each His Dulcinea, ” and “The Psalm.” Man of La Mancha is a romantic journey filled with noble acts set to several stirring anthems with a load of sentimentality and heart. It also contains raw human cruelty. But the ultimate message of hope and kindness prevails. Who couldn’t cheer for underdog as he fights against all odds? Personal integrity is nicely presented in Jim Harms’ outstanding performance. He belts “The Impossible Dream” with an emotional impact that sent chills down my spine. The polish and stage craft of Rudy Hogenmiller’s production and the wonderful sound from the full orchestra deftly conducted by Nyela Basney gave grandeur to Man of La Mancha. The respect for the art of the material was quite evident. This is production deserves a large audience. Don’t miss it."
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Highly Recommended
"...The true triumph in “Man of La Mancha” is populist. The ensemble become both agents and audience, reinventing not just a fake knight’s true devotion but the wonder of readers encountering these adventures for the first time. Though Court Theatre’s production made them seem more insane than imprisoned, there’s no doubting the sincerity of Light Opera Works’ jailhouse trial, a more crucial verdict than the glib repression and empty pieties that Cervantes will soon face from the Inquisition."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Light Opera Works continues to amaze their audiences with the talent they find and the productions they place on the stage. Directed and choreographed by Rudy Hogenmiller on a magnificent set designed by Adam L. Veness, it seems a shame that the audiences of Chicago are limited in the number of performances available.Just seeing the set as we await the overture is awesome. It is one large, dark dungeon-like room with little alcoves and man items that can be converted to other items a sthe play within a play begins."
