Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Alas, "One Hit Wonders" is stuck with a very chatty backstage story about, well, the making of "One Hit Wonders," which does not really work at all, frankly. All of the infighting and relationship traumas we're party to in this choppy story have the effect mostly of making the singers less likable (when their voices could not be more likable). And yet the characters are not fleshed out enough to make them dramatically interesting. The other problem is that this conceit forces the show to be performed in rehearsal mode for most of its duration. Since people are missing cues and entrances (intentionally) all over the place, some of the material we hear at least twice."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Framed as a show-within-a-show, “One Hit Wonders,” directed by Daryl D. Brooks, follows the rehearsals, backstage squabbles and opening night performance of a group of performers whose song list is just what the title suggests — a series of hits by composers and singers in genres of both “yesterday and today.” (The decade-spanning nature of the lineup is playfully suggested by the vinyl LP-like circular stage, giant DVDs and cassette tapes as “architectural supports,” and a mobile phone-framed video screen on which the show’s hippest character gives us social media updates.)"
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Yes, the resulting show, directed by Daryl D. Brooks and performed by an ensemble of kick-ass triple threats, is sugarcoated—and a tad predictable (another part of the BET formula); it's still charming and satisfying. And as in all BET shows, the musical performances are out of this world."
Windy City Times - Recommended
"...Donald Craig Manuel contributes an operatic "One in a Million You," Allie Jones does a seductive "Ring My Bell" and Mallory Maedke performs an appropriately Wagnerian "Total Eclipse of the Heart." BET veteran Lyle Miller brandishes an ice-cutting falsetto on "Cause I Love You" before switching effortlessly to a balladeer's croon for the mournful "Me and Mrs. Jones." Whether the refrain that lights up your nostalgia meter is "Follow Me" or "This is Why I'm Hot," you'll find it in this celebration of stars who dazzled us, if only momentarily, with their brightness."
Stage and Cinema - Somewhat Recommended
"...One Hit Wonders is most interesting when Daryl D. Brooks’ terrific cast interrupt their behind-the-scenes shenanigans to relate the stories and sing the notes behind these one-time hits. With two giant MP3 players displaying titles and artists, the unimprovable performers sometimes perform these transient treasures better than the originals, almost always as well. These include “Follow Me,” “I Will Survive,” “Hey There Lonely Girl,” Mr. and Mrs. Jones,” “What You Won’t Do For Love,” “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” “It’s Raining Men,” and “It Takes Two.” Admittedly, these numbers, their creators’ highly conditional claims to fame, aren’t all that well remembered today, except from sheer nostalgia. But they come to full and first life here: Always at the top of his form, music director Robert Reddrick never met a note he didn’t like."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...One Hit Wonders is a conceit that works despite the weak book. The tunes and the performances overcome the cliche-ridden story but, hey, it’s about the songs. Who knew that many of these famous songs and artists had only one hit? Their legacy is that we still remember their one hit. For some artists, that’s enough."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...A great number of the songs in this show are ones that will surprise you to learn were in fact “One Hit Wonders”, and rather than keep you wondering, I will divulge a few to you: “I Will Survive” , “Hey There Lonely Girl” ( a powerful rendition by Yando Lopez- what a range),” Do You Love Me” and “How Can I Ease The Pain”- plus a host of others. The ensemble is composed of ;Claudia Alexandria Cunningham, Mark J.P.Hood, Allie Jones, Mallory Meedke, Donald Craig Manuel, Ereatha McCullough, Lyle Miller ( who has been around BET for two decades), Kelvin Roston,Jr.,Brittney Thomas Yando Lopez and Ta-Tynisa Wilson. As always the music is spectacular as conducted by Robert Reddrick."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...There are some minor points to grapple with – the plot is a bit thin, for one, and sometimes it feels as though certain developments (some of which lean towards serious territory) operate simply in service to the songs – but again, in the face of such musical talent, it’s downright silly to bicker over such small details."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Somewhat Recommended
"...The publicity material for "One Hit Wonders" calls the show a hilarious musical and a fun musical comedy. Would that it were so. There are bits of humor scattered throughout the evening, but hilarious and fun, hardly! I would have preferred more familiar songs, but judging from the boisterous reaction by the opening night audience, the recognition factor in the musical selections was high and enthusiastic. And good music is good music, familiar or not. The BET ensemble made virtually every song sound majestic. But the lame book is bad news throughout. It's time the BET concentrated on what it does triumphantly, making music, and employ outside writers to handle the book for their shows. The current system isn't working."
