Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...Most productions of “42nd Street” concentrate on delivering as many pairs as possible of those signature dancing feet, shuffle the nostalgia-lovers off to Buffalo with the lullaby of Broadway still ringing in their ears, and then quit while they are still in the money. But most productions are not directed by Rachel Rockwell, by far the best storyteller to emerge in the world of Chicago musical theater since Gary Griffin first made his mark with “Pacific Overtures” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater a decade ago."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Watching the Marriott Theatre’s fabulously tap-happy revival of “42nd Street,” which has been ideally directed by Rachel Rockwell and choreographed to the nines by Tammy Mader (two enormously talented women who can easily give Busby Berkeley’s movie spectacle a run for its money), you have to admit Marsh was right on the mark. The fact that they don’t make shows like “42nd Street” anymore — though they are regularly brought back to life — only underscores their beauty."
Examiner - Recommended
"...C’mon along and listen to a lullaby of Broadway. Show tune lyrics don’t get much more straightforward than that, and with the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre’s exuberant production of 42nd Street, what you hear is what you get. Often called the quintessential Broadway musical, the show has an old school can-do, hey-kids-let’s-put-on-a-show optimism that’s as guileless and cheerful as a bouquet of fresh daisies."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...This fast-paced musical keeps the great tunes flowing; the eye-popping costumes and the humorous characters keep us engaged while the music keeps our toes-tapping. This show is a flawless, high-energy, wonderfully danced and sung fable that leaves audiences humming the songs long after the show’s over. A big, bold and brassy musical is never out of style – especially a major tap dance show such as 42nd Street. It is a wonderful show to introduce youngsters to the joys of Broadway."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...Lithe and agile Drew Humphrey makes a spectacular Marriott debut as Broadway juvenile Billy Lawlor, and long-time favorites Nancy Voigts and Michael Weber are a stitch as the Comden and Green type creators/performers Jones and Barry, respectively. Andrew Lupp reminds us he is still a tap God as the harried dance director Andy Lee. Ericka Mac, Adam Pelty and Roger Mueller all lend outstanding support in a production of musical comedy bliss. The irony of one of the best numbers, "We're in the Money" is not lost on this production either, because the Marriott's production is paved in pure gold. Don't miss it!"
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...As Marriott is an “arena” theater sets are very limited, but Thomas M. Ryan does make what he does a great addition to the production as does Jesse Klug (lighting) and Nancy Missimi ( costumes) and Sally Weiss’s props ( a very important part of a show with scant sets) I preach on a regular basis to the importance of the ensemble and “42nd Street” is one of the best examples of how this is so. This group of singers/dancers is flawless in every detail and no matter how solid the leads are, without this strong ensemble, the show could never reach the heights it has: Drew Humphrey,Adam Pelty, Dina DiCostanza,Johanna McKenzie Miller, Katheryn Patton,Tiffany Topol,Melissa Zaremba,Gary Carlson,Matthew Crowle,Jenny Guse,Patrick Keefe, Richard Strimer, Steven Spanopoulos,Ashton Napier and Matt Raftery(one o Mrriott’s special multi talents) These energetic, talented dancers/singers are what makes this show one that should be seen!"
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"...Carrying the show as no understudy ever could is Kaitlyn Davidson, a platinum-blond Peggy Sawyer whose inexhaustible tap dancing and lyrical assurance can only improve on Ruby Keeler’s wooden original. Drew Humphrey, as her adoring but muted Billy, smilingly exploits what’s left of a role that was virtually handed over to Julian. Tom Galantich plays him with the right mix of messianic rigor and paternal regard, but Julian remains a character who seems warmer on the page than he ever is in life."
