Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...These days, the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace is a theater of the top-tier kind, and its new production is a Broadway-sized affair, replete with a cast of 33 actors, plenty of spectacular gowns designed by Kurt Alger, who makes Michael Aaron Lindner look very good in a dress, and an expansive, if sometimes clunky, set from Marcus Stephens. Director and choreographer Tammy Mader's production does not contain any massive interpretive surprises and I wouldn't say that the show has a seamless visual trajectory — the boxy pieces that make up the set are so enormous, frankly, they make many of the transitions difficult. But this very enjoyable show has a spring in its step (you can tell the director is a choreographer) and it's adroitly cast. The star of the proceedings, a diminutive young actress named Lillian Castillo, gets a huge laugh merely by sporting a hairdo that is about as a tall as she is herself. And she charms thereafter."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"... Mader, herself an ace dancer-actress, has created a production marked by speed, lightness of touch, easy humor and sensational dance numbers. Castillo, with extensive credits in regional theater, is instantly lovable as she dances up a storm in her totally geeky plaid skirt and white blouse, falls head over heels for Link and endures the horrors of a women’s penitentiary."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Director Tammy Mader hasn't just assembled a great ensemble of triple threats led by effervescent Lillian Castillo as plucky, plus-size heroine Tracy Turnblad. She's also deployed them in a production packed with full-throated singing, full-throttle dancing, and flat-out funny comic acting."
Centerstage - Highly Recommended
"... “The Nicest Kids in Town” are teasing their hair, singing and dancing up a storm in Oakbrook’s latest production, a bang-up, non-stop rockin’ Tony Award-winning musical that makes audiences want to boogie on down the aisles. Directed and choreographed by the enormously talented Tammy Mader, this production genuinely entertains while capturing all the spirit and social relevance from the John Waters‘ film that inspired this musical."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...Hairspray is one of the great audience shows in modern American musical theater. Its dancing is irresistible, Tracy Turnblad is a genuine heroine, and the view of racism is apt without taking over the show. Plus Drury Lane audiences get an introduction to Joshlyn Lomax, a lass with star written all over her."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"... I had never seen the show live but really enjoyed the 2007 star-studdedmovie (the original Broadway show debutedin 2002)and had heard thatseeing it live was much better.Turnsout, everyone was right. Despite the movie’s accomplishments,it doesn’t comparetoseeing it spring to vivacious life in front of you—no quick cuts or rest for these 33 performers. Not to mention it keeps more of the satirical subversiveness and a touch of raunch from the original source. From the intricately nested staging to the impossible wigs and colorful costumes, Hairspray is the kindof uptempo fun that leaves you tapping your toes and grinninglike a goofball. It practically leaps off the stage to pull you into its bigger-than-lifeworld with a heartfelt message of letting go of preconceptions and embracing theoutsider within."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"... The overall singing is fabulous and the cast is totally in sync. Close your eyes to "I Know Where I've Been" (sung by Felicia Fields) and it sounds better than the Broadway album. The costumes hit the dateline mark and albeit the set bright and a tad shaky it brings us back to 1962. Based off of the 1988 John Waters film, this is a fun and still engaging show and this "Hairspray" rendition will entertain you. The timely theme of integration in its various forms is brought to light. High schoolers as well as senior citizens can expect to be reunited as one well rounded audience as there is dancing in the aisles with the cast members. You will enjoy this show!"
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"... WOW! This is by far the best word to start off my description of the sparkling, perfectly cast production of “Hairspray”, the Broadway Musical, now onstage at Drury Lane Theatre. This “suburban production” is far superior to any other production of late in the Chicago area ( including the Broadway touring company). Under the skillful eye of Director/Choreographer Tammy Mader on a wonderful set designed by Marcus Stephens, this movie, turned into stage musical, turned into a movie musical with a book by Marc O’Donnell and Marc Shaiman ( who also did the lyrics with Scott Wittman) is a rousing look at the 1960′s in Baltimore and shows how plain ordinary people can fulfill their dreams if they take a chance."
