Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...To call David Zak’s heartfelt production a mixed bag does not adequately describe its contrasts. Aided by an enhanced sound system, a six-piece band and several Equity contracts, some of the singing is spectacular. And in the person of George Andrew Wolff, there’s a powerful lead performance. Given the hump and the lack of characterization, there were a million ways for Wolff to camp this up. Instead, he offers a moving take on this reclusive fellow and belts his problems to the rafters."
Chicago Sun Times
- Recommended
"...Though far better known as the ace singer-keyboardist of Styx than as a Broadway aspirant, composer-lyricist-book writer DeYoung (who briefly toured in "Jesus Christ Superstar") has a first-rate feel for the musical theater form. He also clearly has learned many lessons from Andrew Lloyd Webber and the Boublil-Schonberg team, and his "Hunchback" is very much in the tradition of both."
Daily Herald
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Ultimately, the show stumbles for want of a good book. The writing is weak and the result is obliquely defined (Quasimodo) and cliched (Frollo) characters . The awkward, unfunny exchanges that pass for puns -- "Why don't you go back to Egypt?" and its response "Pharoah-enough" followed by a Tutankhamen quip that plays badly on 'too uncommon' -- don't help."
SouthtownStar
- Highly Recommended
"...As one witnesses this show unfold, it soon becomes apparent that DeYoung has put every ounce of his ability and talent into the highly melodic musical score that haunts long after the show's end."
Chicago Reader
- Somewhat Recommended
"...A gifted songwriter, former Styx front man DeYoung has packed his adaptation with power ballads and soaring anthems. But he desperately needs a stronger book to set the scene for each song and give the characters context."
Chicago Free Press
- Recommended
"...David Zak’s rampaging staging delivers the usual reliable Bailiwick Rep showcase for non-negotiable talent. In “While There’s Still Time” James Rank’s warrior betrays the same perverse resistance to an outsider’s devotion that dooms Miss Saigon. As his willing beloved, Dana Tretta’s fiery Esmeralda rhapsodizes the stuffings out of “When I Dance For You.” (She’s one more Carmen in full flower for the wrong soldier.) Most moving, as he must be, is George Andrew Wolff’s lonely, longing Quasimodo: His “In My Silence” is an entrancing melody, every note honored by Wolff’s lyric tenor. Recreating the Court of Miracles, the 14-member ensemble pour awesome energy into numbers that range from the contagious celebration of “King of Fools” to the solace of the closing “Requiem.” Keith Dworkin’s mega-capable musical direction never met a tune it couldn’t exalt."
Gay Chicago Magazine
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Despite the B-Grade schmaltziness of this musical adaptation, David Zak’s exciting direction plus the dedicated and likeable cast salvage a good time out of the showy but shallow material. They manage to take this over-the-top Greatest American Hero theme song treatment of the story and sell it as best as they can."
Centerstage
- Highly Recommended
"...Stellar performances, a giant set, rich and elaborate period costumes, and superb orchestrations, sound enhancement and lighting designs all work together to produce a majestic evening that will leave you almost breathless by the final curtain."
Time Out Chicago
- Not Recommended
"... DeYoung’s piercing, screechingly inappropriate synth score manages a few pop hooks, but the melody and lyrics tend toward the generic, so the power ballads could easily be from a rock-musical version of Pride and Prejudice or Jude the Obscure. Meanwhile, the scarved-and-bathrobed ensemble gets caught in the undertow of Zak’s waterlogged staging."
ChicagoCritic
- Highly Recommended
"...This remount is excellent, even an improvement from the fine original Chicago production. If you have not yet seen this show—get to Bailiwick Repertory soon to witness a beautiful new musical. If you’ve already seen 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame,' come back—you’ll be even more delighted."
