Joe, The Musical at Chicago Dramatists

Pioneer Press - Somewhat Recommended

"...If you'd rather see an uneven, workshop production of a promising new creation than spend an evening viewing a fully polished play, then "Joe! The Musical" is just right for you. The play will need some adjustments before it's ready for the big time, but the cast delivers a certain charm that shines through, bridging the bumpy moments."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...Dan Lipton and David Rossmer make magic out of the promising premise and director Tom Mullen and a crackerjack cast deliver the goods with moxie and pizzazz. Produced by union actors, this is a heartfelt valentine to their trade as well as a splendid showcase."

Windy City Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...Fans of spoofing musicals should get a kick out of Joe! The Musical, even in its imperfect state. Joe! has a lot of funny potential, but it’s still not fully realized."

Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...With some notable exceptions, (A Chorus Line, for instance), plays about theater people are not as inherently interesting as theater people think they are. Self-regarding, metatheatrical jokes about auditions and agents just aren’t that engaging. Joe! The Musical is as metatheatrical as it gets."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...The show has many cute dances and comic show stoppers developed by the talented Tom Mullen. Joe, The Musical should be considered fine fare for the regional theatre circuit. A large scale Broadway production could work since the material contains enough rich, clever and smart lyrics and tuneful melodies to emerge as a terrific spoof of the Broadway musical."