| Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"..."Bud, Not Buddy," which was penned in 2000, is the kind of work that engenders fierce loyalty (I read it only after seeing the Chicago Children's Theatre production based on the book). One could feel that from the audience at the Ruth Page Center for director Derrick Sanders' production. This is a story of an ordinary African-American boy — sent to an orphanage and challenging foster homes — who searches for his father, whom he is convinced is one Herman E. Calloway of Grand Rapids, a jazz musician who plays with a band known as the Dusky Devastators of the Depression, a fine name for a jazz band if ever there was one. Bud heads off for Grand Rapids, Mich., and is befriended by the band — but his parentage proves more complicated than he thought."
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Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Director Derrick Sanders doesn't miss a beat in this well-orchestrated stage version of Christopher Paul Curtis's 1999 children's book, about an African-American boy searching for his father in Depression-era America. Each part of the show just hums along: Sanders's eye-pleasing staging, Rick Simms's ear-pleasing sound design, Courtney O'Neill's superb scenic design, and the tight, playful ensemble."
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Splash Magazine - Recommended
"... Bud, not Buddy has a lot going for it. Foremost amongst its strengths is the story which contains enough heartfelt sentiment to draw the audience in as well as enough humor to keep that same audience interested. Director Derrick Sanders makes good use of the material here and also adds a few flourishes to the story such as having several characters narrate what is essentially a first person narrative. The acting here is good too with Travis Turner putting in a genuine and nuanced performance as Bud (although I think in a perfect world the part would go to a child actor). Standout performances also include Cedric Young as the easily irritable Herman Calloway whom his band members play off of and Brian Grey in a variety of roles. Scenic design (Courtney O’Neill) and lighting (William C. Kirkham) are also done well with the very elongated stage and the carefully placed silhouettes helping to accent Bud’s journey."
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