Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Many of those melodic and resonant songs — scored by the hugely talented Mahler with a touch of folk rock and a soupcon of the bluegrass flavor of the mountains — are quite lovely. And many successful musicals thrive on determined dreamers pursuing a mission that will let them break out of a conflict-ridden, narrow-minded community run by the embittered and the scared. Nothing wrong with that. But before this show, which has promise, has any chance of rocketing to Broadway, or any other high-profile target, the creators will need to nix lines like the one spoken by Principal Turner (there are many others in the same mode). Even in working-class communities of the 1950s, the myriad forces that squelched ambition were just a tad more subtle. And even musicals where the end is as clear and inevitable as the stars in the skies need to offer some internal surprises on the journey to the moon."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"..."October Sky," the world premiere musical that rocketed straight into the hearts of Wednesday's opening night audience at the Marriott Theatre, tells a story that is familiar in many ways. Like Elton John's "Billy Elliot" and Sting's "The Last Ship," it has a particularly powerful link to the tensions between fathers and sons in blue collar families - men and boys who crave each other's love and approval, even as one sees his life's work turning to rust, and the other is forced to break free if he is to have any life at all."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Thielen's flawless book, set in the hills of West Virginia circa 1957, tells the mostly true story of four coalminers’ sons who become enamored with rocketry and parlay their interest into a ticket out of the sticks. Mahler’s wonderful score, deeply infused with rockabilly and country, evokes the setting and era, supporting the book throughout. In turn, Rachel Rockwell’s production, packed as usual with A-list performers, couldn't be more powerful or moving."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...No question, October Sky taps into universal longings-the adolescent urge for freedom, the yearning to escape fate, and a father and son's search for common ground (somewhere between the stratosphere and the tunnels of Coalwood). But Marriott's musical is too premediated (as in commercially calculated) to fully earn its happy ending or crowd-pleasing revelations. Plus in 2015 the rocket boys' fantasies have foundered on deadly ICBMS' "Star Wars" technology, Richard Branson promotions, two Space Shuttle explosions, and poor priorities (are trips to Mars more important than fixing the one planet we were given to inhabit?). But kids like to blow things up and, yes, such eternal verities deserve grudging respect."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...The new musical’s greatest strength is that it is a heart-warming story which, while conventional in its basic outline, is unusual in its sentimental appreciation for intellectual pursuits. That likely comes from the movie (which is based on the autobiographical novel Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam), but with some more work, this stage adaptation could fully harness the talent of its artists to present a story that I know some nerdy theatre-goers have long been excited for."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...The entire cast stays committed to the material and works together beautifully even if the wandering accents at times make it seem as if they do not all live in the same small town. Set designer Thomas M. Ryan and lighting designer Jesse Klug have done a terrific job of bringing us into the world of this small town. Properties designer Mealah Heidenreich deserves special mention for her period perfect rockets that actually fly (or at least we think they do, which is all that matters.) I found costumer designer Theresa Ham's work a bit underwhelming especially when all of the four boys were on stage in plaid shirts at the same time."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Written by Aaron Thielen with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, “Hero” was something special that made the trip from Lincolnshire to Broadway. Could lightning strike twice? We may soon find out as the World Premiere of a new Musical, “October Sky” written by the same team has taken the stage for its initial run. Based on the movie of the same name and inspired by the book “Rocket Boys” written by Home H. Hickam, Jr., this new musical takes us back in time. It is 1957. Sputnik (making the Russians first in the race for space) has just lit up the sky, the” October Sky” over the small mining town of Coalwood, West Virginia. The world is about to change for the poor mining community of Coalwood."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Thanks to the fine collaboration between Aaron Thielen and Michael Mahler, brought to life by Director Rachel Rockwell, these Rocket Boys absolutely soar. This musical story, told by a talented cast, transports its audience into the stratosphere. A true depiction of the American Dream, this is a tale of braving the obstacles and following one’s heart. Taken to a new level by Mahler’s beautiful score, this treat for the whole family aims for the stars and delivers a galaxy of entertainment and emotional truth."
