Chicago Tribune
- Highly Recommended
"...Natalie Ford, whose performance here is really quite extraordinary, does precisely that with the focus of a laser. You just ache for Ford in Flaster's production—this actress has one of those magnetic vulnerabilities that recalls Judy Garland at times. You really should see and hear the fatalistic sadness that Ford layers onto “What's the Use of Wond'rin',” that most gorgeous of Richard Rodgers' melodies. But you also see a woman completely certain that love — unshakable love — is the only thing that really matters in life. Which is, after all, the message of “Carousel.” No more, no less."
Chicago Sun Times
- Recommended
"...Director-choreographer Stacey Flaster has crafted a lovely, straightforward production, with a dreamy quality permeating the "Carousel Waltz" sideshow and clambake scenes. And a lightning bolt of a performance by Cooper David Grodin does the rest."
Chicago Reader
- Somewhat Recommended
"... her Light Opera Works directorial debut, Stacey Flaster delivers a well sung, well danced, musically pleasing, but dramatically slack rendition of the 1945 Rodgers & Hammerstein masterwork, set in 19th-century New England, about the ill-fated romance between carnival barker Billy Bigelow and mill worker Julie Jordan."
Copley News Service
- Highly Recommended
"...In recent seasons, Light Opera Works has raised its physical productions to new levels of creativity and professionalism. This production goes to the head of the class with Tom Burch’s atmospheric set designs, Nikki Delhomme’s colorful period costumes, Andrew Meyers’s mood-setting lighting, and Miles Polaski’s sound design. As always, Roger L. Bingaman majestically directs the Broadway-caliber pit orchestra."
ChicagoCritic
- Highly Recommended
"...The emotions flow as Billy sings a reprise of “If I Loved You” to Julie (who senses his presence). Stacey Flaster got all the key elements right in this strong production of a major classic. This dark themed musical tackles tough issues with honesty and heart. Flaster sure knows how to both tell a story and mount a musical. Her Carousel is a major achievement. Don’t miss it."
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Recommended
"...Musically and vocally, it is hard to imagine seeing a more exquisite rendition. Rodgers' glorious and haunting music practically demands a full orchestra, the kind that Light Opera Works provides in abundance. And with a full-throated cast to do the score full justice, the musical performance in itself nearly justifies the hefty ticket price. Director/Choreographer Stacey Flaster supplies a bright and perky physical production that is a good conventional approach to the 1945 musical drama. The sparks that would truly ignite this sad love story are not quite there, particularly in a sluggishly paced Bench Scene, but Flaster's respectful and straightforward approach has a lot to commend itself."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Directed and choreographed by Stacey Flaster, who keeps getting stronger and stronger with her re-invention of some of the musicals we have loved over the years. Ms Flaster brings new ideas and powerful feelings to her interpretations. She is a perfectionist making sure that each and every detail is perfect. Tom Burch has designed a set that will truly give you the feeling that you are near the docks of a fishing community and the masterful opening number, “Prologue” is a true work of art- jugglers, a bearded lady, a stilt walker, and of course the “Carousel” itself, created with one horse and several ensemble members circling the centerpiece. All this to the wonderful orchestra, led by Roger L. Bingaman, playing the music with the spirit intended by its creators. We as an audience get pulled into the community and get to visualize some of the relationships of the citizens without one word being uttered. Between this number, the Ballet and “Soliloquy”, “A Real Nice Clambake”, “If I Loved You” ,”June is Bustin Out All Over” and of course “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, you can’t help but get emotionally involved in the lives of these characters."
