Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Although it was the first of her novels to be completed, it was published and titled posthumously. And it is not, of course, anywhere near as famous as "Sense and Sensibility" or "Pride and Prejudice." But it is old enough to be in the public domain, thank heavens, which explains why Lifeline Theatre premiered a new musical version of the novel, featuring a book by the Lifeline regular Robert Kauzlaric and music and lyrics by George Howe, a composer whose previous endeavors include "Arnie the Doughnut," a show I remember with enormous affection."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Broadway spends millions of dollars on the creation of a single new musical that cycles through endless workshops, out-of-town tryouts and massive publicity campaigns. And then, with not a hint of hype, and a budget probably equal to the cost of five Broadway costumes, along comes Lifeline Theatre (the modest, widely admired company that for 33 seasons has devoted itself to literary adaptations and new work), with the world premiere of "Northanger Abbey.""
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...This musical stage version of Jane Austen's first novel (which was written circa 1798 but not published till after her death in 1817) is an engaging piece of theatrical storytelling, with a captivating lead performance by soprano Stephanie Stockstill."
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Overall, though, the production itself is top notch. This superior production is nothing short of enchanting and is sure to delight Austen fans and musical theater lovers alike."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...High praise to adapter Kauzlaric both for what he adds and for what he cuts from the novel as he tightens the story for dramatic effect. Nothing essential is lost from the original. George Howe is also to be praised for what he adds in music and lyrics. Eleven songs are interspersed in the first act and nine in the second - each smoothly weaving into the story, and sung by the strong voices of the fine cast. In "A woman's reputation," Mrs. Allen directs Catherine in the proper comportment of a lady. Another delightful moment is when Isabella, John, Henry and Eleanor join voices for "A Carriage Ride to Bristol," where a reluctant Catherine is carried off by John when she was supposed to be out walking with the Tinsleys. Kudos also to choreographer Todd Rhodes especially for the dance in a musical number aptly titled "Torment" for the sensuality depicted in the love triangle as Isabella is torn between Frederik and James while Catherine looks on helplessly.""
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...A lot can happen when a girl leaves home. In the world of Jane Austen, she usually goes to Bath, stays up late, and falls in love. Then things get complicated. The fallout from her affections typically makes for more fun for the audience, however, than the heroine. Only Catherine Morland is the exception. A voracious reader of gothic novels, she tells the audience she awaits the right adventure to transform her into a heroine worthy of an author’s notice."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...If you've never been to Lifeline Theatre, you're missing something really special. At Lifeline, a small (99 seats) theater in Rogers Park, every play they do - for adults and children - is their own literary adaptation. Their absolutely delightful new production, "Northanger Abbey" was adapted by Robert Kauzlaric, with original music and lyrics by George Howe."
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...NORTHANGER ABBEY is tight. I absolutely loved every aspect. The design team, Sarah Lewis (scenic) and Diane D. Fairchild (lighting), create a harsh, gothic framework. Costume Designer Aly Renee Amidei fills their space with exquisite finery. The aesthetic transports us into the pages of an Austen novel. The writing, the directing, the music, the acting make us want to stay indefinitely. This summer, get swept away with this exceptional new musical."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Like last summer's Sense and Sensibility at Chicago Shakespeare, Lifeline Theatre's current musical production of Austen's very first novel, Northanger Abbey, is making its world premiere here. But unlike the book and music this writer found sensibly staid in last summer's regal production on Navy Pier featuring Broadway star Megan McGinnis, Lifeline's Abbey is wrapped in quick wit with a delightful songbook that turn this Georgian-set English novel into must-see musical theatre."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The world premiere of "Northanger Abbey" at Lifeline Theatre left the audience starstruck with an equally riveting combination of writing, direction and performance. Now on their thirty-third season of presenting new work and literary adaptations, like this piece, based on the novel by Jane Austen, Lifeline's narrative is humble but exceptional."
