Chicago Tribune
- Recommended
"...The strengths of Hogenmiller's production lies in its energy, optimism and choreography. Even though he's not working with Broadway dancers in a non-union company that has traditionally focused on the singing, he really works some marvels here with some young dancers doing the famous "Waiters' Gallop," which is richly detailed and great fun. And Hogenmiller's chirpy staging of "Before the Parade Passes By" had enough exuberance to set the initially reticent crowd at Cahn Auditorium genuinely buzzing at intermission."
Chicago Sun Times
- Recommended
"...The Evanston production also benefits from its age-appropriate leads: Chicago area veteran Mary Robin Roth as “Mrs. Dolly Levi, born Gallagher,” the turn-of-the-last-century purveyor of “social introductions,” and company stalwart Peter Verdico as the “rich, friendless and mean” Yonkers “half-a-millionaire” feed and grain man Horace Vandergelder, with whom the long-widowed Dolly has decided to make a match for herself. Roth is more Merman than Channing, especially as the show’s silly but inevitable plot unfolds, and that’s just fine when she hits her stride about two-thirds into the first act. From then on we’re ready for her to carry us anywhere with her merry blend of goofiness, schmaltz and feel-good philosophizing."
ChicagoCritic
- Highly Recommended
"...It is important that every five years or so, someone mounts a full scale production of classic show such as Hello, Dolly! so the next generation can marvel at these works of art. Kudos to Light Opera Works for doing this cultural service. Come enjoy a fun family-friendly vintage Broadway musical. You’ll be humming “It So Nice Having You Back Where You Belong.”"
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Recommended
"...Rudy Hogemiller's bright and tuneful staging is unsurprisingly faithful to Champion's original. The production looks a bit skimpy in the scenic department, with old-fashioned rented drops and black curtains in place of three-dimensional streets and locales. At $94 a ticket and with only one Equity contract in use, it is clear most of the money for this short LOW run is going into the pit. And those 24 musicians down there do give a full-hearted rendition of this beloved Broadway warhorse score, under Roger Bingham's musical direction. Hogemiller's choreographic contributions to "Dancing" and the Waiter's Gallop are vigorously performed."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Great music, a fun story, marvelous acting, singing and dancing- isn’t this what you hope for when attending the musical theater? Light Opera Works, in their main stage productions, just to make sure that the music sounds as it was written to be played uses a full orchestra under the direction of Roger L. Bingaman and Tom Burch has added a simple but dazzling set to add to the brilliant costumes by Emily Nelson and her staff and the lights (Charles Jolls) and sound (Miles Polaski)."
Chicago Theater Beat
- Highly Recommended
"...The dancing IS athletic and amazing! Rudy Hogenmiller channels Gower Champion to choreograph dance sequences that elicit applause DURING the movement. In particular, two memorable moments are actualized by a large segment of the chorus. First, in the parade scene, the band moves into a revolving kick line. For a small stage and multiple dancers, the graceful high-kick turning is incredibly impressive. In the second act, the waiters have a vigorous prolonged dance sequence. The word I think I’d use is ‘phenomenal.’ The synchronization is perfection. The waiters’ jumps are a harmonious spectacle."
