| Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...I hope "Jonathan Toomey" comes back after this year, when it seems to be finding its feet. This could be the kind of community-building show that families build into their holiday tradition. Even now, there is yet more evidence of young Mahler's formidable theatrical talents."
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Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...Provision Theater's Tim Gregory directs his own, agreeable musical based on a children's book by Susan Wojciechowski. Michael Mahler's folk-ballad score keeps Wojciechowski's story of redemption humming along, and Gregory's large cast of kids is adorable enough to help us overlook the sometimes schlocky material."
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Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended
"... Christmas is about Jesus and children. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey focuses on both. Provision Theatre captures the true meaning of Christmas in this quaint, sentimental inspiration."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"... Michael Mahler’s music and expertlyrics elevate Toomey from a nice little children’s show to a deeply artistic holiday musical. This maybeMahler’s finestscore for a musical. Making folk/bluegrass music work in a musical is no small accomplishment but Mahler has done so. At 75 minutes, Toomey is a compact yet complete story that will warmyour heartwith itssimple beauty and honesty.Take all the children in your family to see this sweet show. They’ll enjoy seeing other kids especially 8th grader Michael Saguto carry the show. Lia Mortensen and James Rank anchor thistunefulshow.I believe if enough folks see The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, it’ll take itsrightful placeas a Chicago holiday show next to A Christmas Carol and The Christmas Schooner."
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Chicago Stage Standard - Highly Recommended
"... Having an actor of such superb vocal musicianship and acting skills as James Rank in the title role helps immeasurably. Rank gets to the heart of the town mystery man whose biggest crime may have been killing himself off. The radiant Lia Mortensen gently underplays mother Sarah McDowell yet demonstrates a great deal of courage and compassion. And Michael Saguto gives one of the most natural and unaffected performances of the year for a child actor in the demanding role of young Thomas McDowell. Bravo not only to these three terrific leads, but to the entire company of adults and children, actors, singers and musicians, for creating such an authentic feeling of community. Whatever your holiday plans are I urge you to make room for Provision Theater's "Christmas Miracle". You will be glad you did."
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