Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...The eager-limbed Smart sings, smiles and dances her heart out. With a killer score and droll book, “Sweet Charity” is a very sexy piece and, now, one of the best shows I’ve ever seen on the Drury Lane."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...The current production not only features an impeccably polished cast led by a multiply talented, utterly beguiling, impressively natural leading lady (Summer Naomi Smart, recently seen as Nessarose in the Chicago production of "Wicked"). But it has top-of-the-line direction (by Jim Corti, who has worked in a slew of Broadway and national touring companies); sensational yet unusually "humanized" Bob Fosse-inspired choreography (by Mitzi Hamilton, who had a long association with the original "A Chorus Line"); a first-rate band under the direction of Tom Sivak; and sophisticated design."
Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"...Jim Corti's razor-sharp, exuberantly directed production earned every bit of its extended applause. Credit also rests with music director Tom Sivak's bold, brassy nine-piece pit band and a top-drawer ensemble including Nicholas Foster as neurotic nice-guy Charlie, Charity's latest love; Vanessa Panerosa's tough-cookie taxi dancer Nickie; Ericka Mac's equally hardened Helene and Matthais' smooth-as-silk jazz cat turned guru, Daddy Brubeck."
SouthtownStar - Highly Recommended
"...Overflowing with new energy, the theater has mounted a very funny and witty reincarnation of the 1966 Broadway show that sizzles with exciting performances, electric dance numbers and show-stopping tunes."
Pioneer Press - Highly Recommended
"...Drury Lane producer Kyle De Santis has been very, um, charitable with the spending on the production and it shows. Brian Sydney Bembridge has outdone himself with a set that seamlessly transitions between Charity's dance hall hostess job at the Fan-Dango Ballroom to a penthouse suite at a New York hotel to a Mexican restaurant chock full of parakeets and piñatas. Add to that some imaginative locales -- an elevator and Ferris Wheel car -- and there's no lack of visual treats."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Triple threat Summer Smart is the crucial ingredient in this energetic, intelligent, honest, and moving revival of the 1966 Tony Award-winning musical. Her charismatic performance as the title character--plucky but luckless taxi dancer Charity Hope Valentine--holds the show together. Yes, director Jim Corti and choreographer Mitzi Hamilton do a great job of mining the rich material based on Frederico Fellini's 1957 classic, Nights of Cabiria: the terrific Cy Coleman-Dorothy Fields songs; Neil Simon's spare but witty book; and Bob Fosse's amazing dance numbers, at once show stopping and integral to the storytelling."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...after taking in the Drury Lane Oak Brook's Sweet Charity, all we can say is—to quote one of the show's more jubilant numbers—what a set up, holy cow. This is a show that—to continue with Dorothy Fields lyrical stylings,– leaves you with a tingle in your toes and a tingle in your feet. And in your heart. It is also unquestionably the best production –in terms of design work, acting and choreography—that the Drury Lane has done since Gary Griffin was in charge back in the 1990s."
Chicago Free Press - Highly Recommended
"...Key to this production’s success is choreographer Mitzi Hamilton, of “A Chorus Line” fame. The thrilling precision of her work is in the best Fosse tradition, and her polished dancers leap to the task. Several numbers, including “Big Spender” (a marvel of splayed legs and droll elbows), “If They Could See Me Now” “Rich Man’s Frug” and “The Rhythm of Life” literally stop the show. A small, live orchestra with a big sound, a pitch-perfect cast and witty costuming by Tatjana Radisic take these numbers to brilliant heights."
EpochTimes - Highly Recommended
"...This is a choreographers dream show and Ms Hamilton is true to her Hero, Bob Fosse using every one of his moves and with an ensemble of dancers who sing, this is truly a dream show for those who recall the greatness of Fosse and for those who have only heard of the master- you will have one of the greatest theatrical experiences of your life!"
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Drury Lane’s production values are amazing. Brian Sidney Bembridge’s colorful 60’s era set with fine lighting by Jesse Klug together with sensual costume design by Tatjana Radisic gave this show a dazzling look. The dance ensemble was outstanding giving Fosse’s demanding choreography respectfully flawless movements. The dance alone makes the show worth seeing. Summer Smart is wonderful as Charity."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...To borrow a phrase, all I can say is "Wow" to the new "Sweet Charity". This is quite simply the most stylish and confident production the venerable Drury Lane Oakbrook has seen in several seasons. It's brimming over with the talent that makes one fall in love with musical comedy all over again, from the first syncopated blast of Cy Coleman's jazz-infused overture to the bittersweet but hopeful finale. The production may be credited to Director Jim Corti and Choreographer Mitzi Hamilton, but make no mistake about it. This "Sweet Charity" has the name Bob Fosse stamped all over it."
