Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Chaz Wolcott literally sparkles as the sequin-encrusted magician Mr. Mistoffelees (his balletic dancing is spectacular), and I couldn't stop smiling at Erica Leigh Hansen's charming, charismatic Jennyanydots. But the combination of odd artistic choices—such as strangely sexualized choreography (Are cats supposed to gyrate?)—and the total lack of plot left me feeling confused. Guess I'm just not a cat person."
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ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"... Thirty-one years after its debut, the award-winning CATS is one of the longest running musical of all time (eclipsed by Andrew Lloyd Weber’s other work, Phantom of the Opera). Still fresh and frisky, it’s an indispensable stop on the world-tour of theatre.Visiting Chicago for a shortfive day run, don’t dawdle if you want a chance to see a true piece of panacheand pageantry. You may never look at a cat the same way again."
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Chicago Stage Standard - Highly Recommended

"... This is a heavy dance show full of Cat-errific moves. Who are these cats? What are their names? "The Naming of Cats" gives you some idea. You are then invited to the Jellicle Ball to meet everyone. "Invitation to the Jellicle Ball" is where one lucky cat will be chosen to be reborn. You will meet Jennyanydots (Erica Leigh Hansen), "The Old Gumbie Cat" who sits,and sits,and sits and sits and that's what makes a Gumbie cat. She also teaches mice and cockroaches to sew and other various activities when everyone is sleeping. In comes Rum TumTugger (Chris Stevens), who is a fickle cat but the felines find him very attractive. He is sort of a cross between an Elvis and Frankenfurter (from "Rocky Horror") cat in this production. He is quite a character, very entertaining and a real cutie."

Around The Town Chicago - Recommended

"...While the current production, on stage at The Cadillac Palace Theatre as part of Broadway In Chicago’s season, is closer to the original production with the re-introduction of “psychic twins” Coricopat and Tantomile, for some who have witnessed many productions of this classic work are beginning to tire of portions- this is a two and one half hour show, and since it is geared for “family entertainment” perhaps on the next go-round, they should look at cutting some of it down. Recently, our own TheoUbique, a storefront in Rogers Park did a simple version directed/choreographed by Brenda Didier that was absolutely amazing. This was done in a coffee house that holds about 60 guests. This production, while filled with some solid talent and a large energetic cast that plays well with the audience is just to stretched out in this large theater. This is an intimate show so that we get into the personalities of the felines and see why they are so much like us, or is it that we are so much like them?"
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