Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...The comic pair have genuinely funny moments and a certain sweetness. But you never believe they could exist in quite such a cluelessly out-of-it state. They suck up far too much stage time, including, weirdly, the climax, as does an endless repetition of gags (funny only at first) involving a precocious 12-year-old comic (played by the lively Jonah Rawitz) who mostly lives in the store. Meanwhile, other supporting characters, such as the pair of sad guys who hang out in the racks (Jack Black-style dudes well played by Michael Aaron Lindner and Alex Goldklang), have too little to do. For Thielen, who must do some more work to find his show, it's a matter now of expanding the panels of his musical comic, excising all the easy choices and musical-comedy cliches and showing us a full world in which we can believe. He might also get rid of the show's weird habit of constantly having characters getting up and leaving the scene, along with his false ending in Act Two."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Mahler’s songs are a deft mix of Broadway and rock, with one very clever little rap riff (all under the musical direction of Ryan T. Nelson, with Mahler in the conductor’s booth). More crucially, they are wonderfully conversational, whether in the key of anguish or mischief. For a quirky love song it doesn’t get better than “A Vampire’s Kiss Means Forever.” For a lyrical love song intertwined with an ode to artistic inspiration there is “That’s My Kryptonite.” For a blistering soliloquy there is “Your Darkest Place.” And for a gut-wrenching confessional there is “Powerless.”"
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Thielen and Mahler's 28-year-old, um, protagonist isn't just behindhand aesthetically but emotionally, his growth having been stunted by the death of his mother when he was 18. Hero chronicles his destunting with the help of some preternaturally loving friends and, of course, a good woman. Mahler's songs are buoyant and clever, Thielen's book is full of charming idiosyncrasy, and David Bell's world-premiere production sets a glorious precedent for future stagings. Alex Goodrich, in particular, gets the chance of his life as preternaturally loving friend Kirk, and takes it. Set in Milwaukee, the whole thing feels warmly midwestern."
Centerstage - Highly Recommended
"...In this sweetly charming original work by Artistic Director Aaron Thielen, with catchy music and lyrics by Chicago Renaissance man Michael Mahler, the Marriott has a bonafide hit that deserves a long, successful life beyond Lincolnshire."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Hero is an intimate show, especially for the Marriott, with only 11 performers. Erich Bergen’s Hero is properly angst-ridden with his self-esteem wallowing in the red zone, but he seems too handsome to convince the spectator that Hero can’t get a look from a girl. Heidi Kettenring has the best voice in the ensemble as Jane, trying to reestablish a relationship with Hero in spite of the young man’s mood swings. The romance between Kirk and Susan is clearly intended for laughs and both Goodrich and Cameron do their best, but Susan is a ridiculous character and will generate chuckles from only the most tolerant spectators."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Hero is an endearing , heartfelt musical that depicts extraordinary moments that get ordinary folks to rise to superhero-like status to overcome their fears. With strong performances from Don Forston, Heidi Kettenring, and Erich Bergen, Hero will live on. Alex Goodrich shows his zany, charm and comic aplomb."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...I have been singing the praises of Chicago's wunderkind Michael Mahler ever since his collegiate days at Northwestern, and seeing his triumphant work on "Hero" leaves me beaming with pride. Not only is the score upbeat and tuneful (a genuinely rare combination in musical theatre today), it also seems to flow organically from the plot and characters, elevating them in a way only great music can. Who else could make an offbeat love song out of a title like "A Vampire's Kiss Means Forever," or reveal so much about the creative heart as he does in "That's My Kryptonite". Mahler can turn the emotions up in a meaningful ballad like "Powerless" almost as effortlessly as in the comic moments, or in a sizzling showstopper like "By Our Powers Combined". Bravo!"
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Under the sterling direction of David H. Bell, who is more a choreographer than director, the only problem with this musical, which by the way is not a musical comedy, but in fact, a story with music, is that is best suited to be on a regular stage with a set that can be in one spot for the duration. There were times, in this tight little show that our view was blocked by either a part of the set itself or the characters having to face each other- on a regular stage, this would not have taken place and sight lines would have been far greater ( although we would lose some of the intimacy this story has). Thomas M Ryan’s set and rotating stage area is wonderful, but it is limited to the space available. Jesse Klug’s lighting, Sally Weiss’ properties, Robert E. Gilmartin’s sound and the costumes by Nancy Missimi and Erin Wuorenma, as usual are the top-notch production services we associate with Marriott Theatre, but in reality it is the story itself and the cast assembled that makes this show truly work!"
