Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...These great songs also survive Light Opera Works's bland revue, with its cliched staging by Rudy Hogenmiller and mediocre musical direction by Linda Slein. Though the six singers onstage possess fine voices, they convey little of the emotional complexity that marks Hart's sometimes mischievous, sometimes melancholy verses."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"... The cast of six work hard and essentially deliver the R & H songbook with skill and loads of heart! (sorry). A fine night of a rich blend of songs by tow masters awaits your call at Light Opera Works Second Stage in Evanston. See this show to hear enchanting songs."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"... There are so many wonderful songs on gorgeous display that it’s a joy just to list them: “Mountain Greenery,” “I Could Write a Book,” “With a Song in My Heart,” “Happy Hunting Horn,” “A Great Big Town (Chicago),” “This Must Be Love,” “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” “My Romance,” “Blue Room” (my favorite), and, the alcoholic, depressive Hart’s virtual credo, “Glad To Be Unhappy.” As American as Hammerstein’s ebullience and euphoria, Hart’s thinking love songs are a trove as well to be treasured by lovers of America’s greatest gift to the world, the Broadway musical. This is where you go to celebrate."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended
"...RODGERS & HART: A CELEBRATION is a step back in time. In between songs, the ensemble give the backstory on Rodgers’ perfectionism and Hart’s alcoholism. The narration fits nicely into the variety show format. The show concludes with the break-up that paired Richard with Oscar for “Oklahoma” blockbuster success. Even having rejected being a part of the project, Larry cheered on the historic opening. After experiencing this show, I’m “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” that I wasn’t more aware of Lorenz Hart’s contribution to music. RODGERS & HART: A CELEBRATION is a musical appreciation opportunity to be heard."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"... Director Rudy Hogenmiller makes the best of a bad book with somne charming choreography, again, on a tiny stage and by having six very talented performers. Rob Riddle who just appeared in their production of “The Student Prince” has great stage presence and is very charismatic in his handling of some of the lesser known music in this show. Newcomer, David Geinosky has a great voice and is a remarkable song and dance man. The last of the three gentlemen in this production is Tenor Jon Jandvick who ends up pairing off with latecomer to the production Bethany Thomas ( she came in as a replacement), might I add, the powerful and dynamic Bethany Thomas who owns the stage when she is on it and all eyes are focused on her as she belts out numbers like “The Lady is A Tramp”! She just keeps getting better! The other two ladies in the cast are no slouches either. Making their Light Opera Works debuts are Tiffany Desmond, a perky bundle of energy and Amy Brophy ( who many have seen at Theatre At The Center in Munster) another solid talent who can do it all."
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"... A powerful team in their multi-decade collaboration, Rodgers and Hart combined light melody with words often gritty and grave. Thankfully, their songs live on and productions such as Rodgers & Hart: A Celebration serve as a tangible reminder of the duo’s lasting impression on musical theater. With subtle production elements and a terrific ensemble, Rodgers & Hart: A Celebration is well worth the trip to Evanston. Jupiter forbid you miss this gem."