The Fantasticks presented by Promethean Theatre Ensemble at City Lit Theater

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Distinctly inferior to last fall's superb Porchlight Music Theatre production, this likable but shallow Promethean Theatre Ensemble staging by Beth Wolf sometimes falls prey to sentimentality and cutesiness. The singers are good, especially Michael Reyes as the worldly-wise narrator who teaches the youngsters hard lessons in life's ironies. But despite his creamy baritone, Reyes lacks the depth and sexual charisma essential to the role."

Centerstage - Recommended

"...For the most part, the lighting is as utilitarian as costumes and set, but there is a lovely moment when a paper globe became a moon, icicle lights on the walls light up as stars, and hero and heroine are bathed in a gentle blue glow. Later, when told that even the moon had been paid for, the audience shares a little of the lovers' humiliation: the wreck of a beautiful illusion. After the song "Round and Round" in Act II, the urgency of the play slows down and leans toward the lachrymose. But all in all, "The Fantasticks" is a charming – if familiar – journey, complete with happy ending and tunes you will leave the theater humming."

Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"... Unfortunately, there are a couple of acts. In its second half, The Fantasticks aims to get serious, with fairly depressing results. As Luisa and her beau Matt (Erik Kaiko) separate, we learn that the outside world is a scary place best avoided via a ludicrous fantasy sequence, which the company to its credit seems half-hearted about. Also in this section, narrator-seducer El Gallo takes on a larger role. While Michael Reyes has a fine baritone voice, he plays the bandit with a solemn, almost medicated demeanor, sapping the piece of the momentum it needs to survive."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...This production of The Fantasticks has enough going for it to be worth a look. The actors win us over with their enchanting truthfulness. Songs like “Try to Remember,” “Metaphor” and “Soon Its Gonna Rain” highlight the show. Give this show a look, you’ll enjoy it."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended

"...One, well really two aspects that I couldn’t ignore were the ages of the “traveling actors”, Mortimer (Nathan Drackett) and Henry (Nick Lake). The show requires men of a less than young age and clearly the lines in the script indicate this. The performance by Nick Lake was enjoyable, setting aside the age snafu, and resembled that of Jim Dale as Dr. Terminus in Pete’s Dragon. Nathan Drackett, however, wasn’t able to find the comedic timing and left the performance loose and without the precise comedic beats."