Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Things improve a little as the show progresses. The ensemble work from the Nubian women (especially Donica Lynn) is arresting — “The Gods Love Nubia” is, as ever, a rousing pleasure. But it's jarring to see women walking around in chains in this kind of showy environment. In the title role, Stephanie Umoh (from the Broadway revival of “Ragtime”) is an appealing presence with a lovely voice, and you can see Jared Zirilli, who also has a fine set of pipes, trying his best to turn Radames into an emotional source that might give this show a soul."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Director-choreographer Jim Corti (recently named artistic director of Aurora’s Paramount Theatre) tries to focus on the dark drama. But while his cast features powerful singers (and a chorus of booty-shaking dancers that has the audience cheering), the acting — and again, the book is partly at fault — often tends to be wooden. (Ben Johnson’s music direction and conducting, it should be noted, is outstanding.)"
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Stephanie Umoh and Jared Zirilli generate some heat as the Nubian princess and Egyptian military hero at the center of the story. Too bad they and the rest of Corti's fine cast have to work so hard to give this show any drama."
Centerstage - Somewhat Recommended
"...With Egypt’s recent political unrest emblazoned across the headlines, Elton John’s and Tim Rice’s rock adaptation of the classic Verdi opera seems like a timely production. This romantic tale of a love doomed from the start features soaring ballads, comic moments, inspired choreography and enough visual spectacle for three shows. But the book and the score fail to sustain the mood of a tragic love story."
Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...Just before Radames and Aida declare love to each other, Radames threatens (not subtly) to rape Aida per his right. This is, of course, the reality of slave ownership—and yet the play ignores these nuances as it indulges in the pleasures of this orientalizing joyride, from the “Walk Like an Egyptian” choreography to the endless display of Amneris’s Cleopatra-like wardrobe."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...My favorite voices from this production are from Erin Mosher and Stephanie Umoh both of whom nail their big ballads and anthems were rich emotions. However, the production never has a heartfelt romantic tone. We don’t feel any sparks between Aida and Radames and we only see the coldly obnoxious side of Amneris. The romantic feel is lacking yet the vocals and the stirring music are strong. The show needs more heart and a deeper emotional core. The visuals are stunning and the movement/dances are stylistic. The sum of the show is more than the individual elements. It is worth a look."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...It was a pleasant surprise at a Saturday matinee to find myself surrounded by so many younger audience members, certainly a good sign for Drury Lane Oakbrook, which is proving that live theatre can and should be enjoyed by all ages. With the strong performances of its two leading ladies in particular, this "Aida" certainly has that potential to entertain."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...This is a brisk, well acted production with very little set ( Jim Dardenne who also handles the projections) and instead of a tomb in a galled off area, they used a pyramid formed glass that divided into two sections and turned this way and that. While I found this a very cool way to indicate the tomb, I found it overused and in some cases, an obstacle to my concentration as when it moved, it hit the lights and reflected in a way that caught my eye and took my concentration off the marvelous talent on the stage at Drury Lane. I don’t know if this can be fixed, but if so, it can only make a good production, brilliant!"
Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended
"...Despite the production’s flaws, fans of Aida will find much to love about Drury Lane’s production. The music is well performed, with crisp staging and choreography from Corti, who incorporates tribal dance into the standard Broadway footwork. Like a lost Disney cartoon put on stage, Aida lacks the gravitas of the original opera, but the crowd-pleasing score turns the tragic story into a family-friendly rock musical sure to please fans of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Schwartz."
