Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...At a Circle musical, you expect to see a game and hard-working ensemble. But you don't expect to see two leads as you see here. One was no surprise -- the handsome Jeremy Rill started to make his Chicago name when he blew everyone off the stage as the devil in the Bailiwick Theatre's " Jerry Springer: The Opera." He's got a fine voice and an easy, warm, gently ironic style. And he's just as good in this show, this time in a romantic lead."
Chicago Sun Times
- Recommended
"...While there is too much hammy acting here, Bellie, as always, sends everyone into perpetual motion. And the large chorus of can-can dancers and their suitors kicks up a storm, with a fabulous array of richly ruffled panties and skirts courtesy of costume designer-fabricator Jesus Perez."
Daily Herald
- Recommended
"...Once again, Bellie's choreography impresses for its mix of high-style and pop savvy, especially evident in the erotic "Garden of Eden Ballet" and the aggressively sexy "Apache Dance" from France's vaudeville era."
Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"...Cole Porter's score--which includes the hit "I Love Paris"--is tuneful, and Abe Burrows' book is witty and fun. Not all of the performances in Kevin Bellie's production are strong (Robert Deason overplays most of his lines in what should be the very funny role of a talentless sculptor), but Jeremy Rill and Elizabeth Lanza strike plenty of sparks as the romantic leads and the ensemble's high energy level easily compensates for any roughness."
Windy City Times
- Highly Recommended
"...Circle Theatre has forged itself a reputation for essaying projects seemingly exceeding its resources, however, and the company assembled by Director/Choreographer Kevin Bellie sprint through their paces with unflagging energy and not-inconsiderable technique, spurred on by music director Allison Kane and her four-piece orchestra. From the ballet-inspired Quat'z-Arts Ball scene to the dionysic revels celebrated in the title, we are witness to spectacle reflecting the uninhibited exuberance we have come to associate with la vie de bohème."
Copley News Service
- Recommended
"...The Circle does not skimp on the size of the ensemble, with a full 17 performers singing and dancing and acting throughout the evening. The energy level is high but there aren’t enough high quality performances in the key roles. Jeremy Rill displays the best voice in the company in the featured role of a stuffy young judge who is the male romantic lead."
ChicagoCritic
- Highly Recommended
"...Can-Can is funny, nicely sung, superbly danced extravaganza that pleases. Cole Porter’s score is memorable and hum-able. This show is pure fun—get to Forest Perk and enjoy."
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Highly Recommended
"...Artistic Director Kevin Bellie directs and choreographs a work worthy of a Tony, gathering some of the finest young singers and dancers in the area. Costume designer Jesus Perez and staff must have been working on the elaborate and stunning garb for months. Costumes are elaborate and intricate with ruffles, sequins and huge skirts for the girls. Scenic designer Bob Knuth employs the bold red, white and blue of France to underscore every scene."
