My Name Is Annie King Reviews

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...In an interesting twist, Lucas and Cash form an intense bond. But that's the last interesting twist in this 150-minute show. The rest is either predictable, undeveloped (what, exactly, is the story with Cash's health?), or telegraphed by Alex Higgin-Houser's clunky staging. A dramaturg might've helped, but there's none listed in the credits. And the "bluegrass" score by Aaron Albert and Katy Rea? Running from vague to trite, it's not even bluegrass."

Windy City Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...There's no denying the craft reflected in Albert and Rea's delicate cello-infused melodies, nor the carefully cultivated virtuosity of a cast taxed with navigating the complex cadenzas and irregular intervals demanded by the recitative-heavy lyrics. Although the delivery emerged curiously hesitant on opening night-the "Initiation" scene that closes the first act never achieves the revivalist fervor required to engage our emotions-a few more rewrites should smooth the rough spots of this work-in-progress."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...As with many new musicals, My Name Is Annie King could use some updates in the book, especially what is Cash's ailment? and more about Lucas' past family life. Musically, better articulation for Rosalie's songs. Adding a mandolin and a banjo to give the score a true bluegrass sound would help. However, as it now plays, My Name Is Annie King is a most entertaining new musical with enough mystery and folksy songs to be a treat. This is a refreshingly creative new show that pleases. Take a look at a 21st Century new creation, you'll like the trend."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...So into the woods we go with this ensemble of talented actors, never to return quite the same. This is a terrific, sensitively moving piece of theatre. It's a far more dramatic and poignant story than Underscore's previous offerings and it will linger in theatergoer's mind long after the musical's final moments. There's a certain earthy resonance in the simplicity of style that Alex Higgin-Houser and his team have chosen for his production, and the show will hold audiences in the palm of its hand until the final notes of the guitar."

Picture This Post - Highly Recommended

"...The entire cast succeeds at serving the story and bringing emotion to the events. Paige Daigle portrays the beloved Rosalie with a flawless fragility. At the same time, she clearly possesses an inner strength that leaves you feeling both protective and somewhat sure she will somehow take care of herself. The duality of this character is captured perfectly by Daigle."

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"..."Annie" has many qualities in abundance however, in its current form two things tend to work against it: characters and songs. While the size of the ensemble signals its polygamist undertones, there are entire characters here that remain fairly anonymous. And while the women's voices are magnificent when in chorus with each other, "Annie" could sacrifice a family member or two and still remain impactful. The current tracklisting could also stand for slimming if only to better differentiate between individual songs. "Away From The Wood," deep in the second act, is the only true showstopper and anyone who's been to a bluegrass concert can attest to the harmonic monotony that the genre tends to default to."