Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...To be sure, Allen has a very young and inexperienced cast whose intensity, fearlessness and commitment carries this piece mostly though the night (although it's a half hour too long). The ambition of “Girls vs. Boys” is infectious; this is as close as an off-Loop Chicago theater has recently come to a made-from-scratch development of a new rock musical in the “Spring Awakening” or “American Idiot” mode. Allen has to keep his optimistic passion, regardless of cynical criticism. And even though he has neither Frank Wedekind nor Green Day in his corner, he has to find a hook upon which to showcase, and impale, his enthusiastic girls and boys."
Centerstage
- Not Recommended
"...The enthusiastic cast is having such a fantastic time that it's hard to begrudge them, but really guys, just because you're swinging from scaffolding doesn't mean you're staring in "Jesus Chris Superstar"...or "Rent"...or even "Tick Tick Boom." Musical theater at its best is life-altering, the result of endless revisions, passion, talent, an overarching theme, some grasp of grammar and syntax. Rose petals, a disco ball, wailing guitars and glitz-doused skinny jeans don't cut it. You can't pose your way to the sublime."
Chicago Stage Review
- Recommended
"...If you already have a problem with the suspension of disbelief that a musical requires of you or if your musical taste falls under the “old school” heading; GIRLS VS. BOYS might not work. But if you want to see and hear some exciting new music delivered by an infinitely compelling cast from a theater company that has made a name for itself by fearlessly taking creative risks, The House Theatre of Chicago’s GIRLS VS. BOYS is the show for you. From the supercharged opening to fantastic finale, GIRLS VS. BOYS is an impressive and entertaining production."
Time Out Chicago
- Somewhat Recommended
"...
Awash with glitter and Glocks (the titular girls and boys draw guns on one another to, you know, symbolize emotional danger), the new musical remains kind of compulsively watchable for all its odd narrative logic. An Up with People show that dreams of being Spring Awakening, it features a young cast whose energy borders on the manic. Its sonic allusions to Nirvana and “Baba O’Riley” may be ill-advised, but if there’s ever a midnight festival of cult plays, Girls vs. Boys belongs on the list."
ChicagoCritic
- Not Recommended
"...This is a show I really wanted to like because, as I said, I love concerts. This play is very different from others I have seen, and I give props to The House for taking risks and doing something different. However, if a show is going to rock, there has to be a reason to do so. Whether it’s punk rock about rebellion, classic rock about sex, intellectual indie rock, or the blazing anger of metal. If this musical is shortened (especially the prolonged dialogue sequences), the symbolism utilized in moderation, and the fun amplified, this could be an enjoyable evening. Writing a new work, let alone a new musical, is no easy task, but this is a script that needs to go back to the drawing board and speak to its intended audience."
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Not Recommended
"...While I enjoyed some of the music and I praise The House for their attempts at doing something spectacular, I would love to see this toned down and made real. Perhaps then these very talented young people would attract an audience of adults who want entertainment because I do not see this production, as is, doing so. The show does feature a very strong ensemble: Jash Eskew, Brandon Ruiter, Briana DeGiulio, Matt Deitchman, Kelley Abell, Travis Porchia and Patrick Martin. "
Chicago Theater Beat
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Singing vs Dancing: Girls vs Boys is more like a concert with great back-up dancers. Tommy Rapley has choreographed high energy numbers for the cast to dance their way into exhaustion. Climbing in and out of the pit, the ensemble has synchronized, gun-toting, dramatic vigor. Notably, whenever one of the guys takes drugs, their shirt comes off. It was oddly like a Public Service Announcement saying ‘don’t take drugs. They make you strip!’ The good news is the guys are ripped. The bad news is it feels like any Jason Statham movie where the weaker the script, the more he takes his shirt off. Shockingly, Girls vs Boys, shirts came off and I STILL didn’t love it!"
