Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...And there is some sloppiness elsewhere, frankly, especially in the quality of the dancing, which is unusually rough for this company (although, in fairness, it is tough to find dancers who are at home singing Lehar, so compromises must be made). But there really was no necessity for the comic plot to unfold so slowly and predictably, you always feel one step ahead of the show, when as any merry widow worth her salt must know, it always behooves such a woman to stay well ahead of the pack."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...This frothy classic has no more serious aim than to offer three hours of escapist entertainment while showcasing beautiful voices, and Rudy Hogenmiller's staging for Light Opera Works (employing an English libretto by Gregg Opelka and Reader contributor Jack Helbig, adapted from Viktor Léon and Leo Stein's original) delivers the goods. Stacey Tappan as the widow and Larry Adams as her suitor sing gloriously (Tappan's rendition of the second-act "Vilja Song" is gorgeous), the supporting cast is excellent, the costumes (by Jesus Perez and Jane DeBondt) are elegant and colorful, and Lehár's score—with its waltzes, polkas, and even a can-can—is well played by a full orchestra under conductor Nyela Basney's seasoned direction."
ShowBizChicago - Highly Recommended
"...For those who appreciate beautiful and fine things, this Merry Widow is a jewel that you should rush out to see. It will thrill your ears, dazzle your eyes and touch your heart with its beautiful and timely story of love and second chances."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...This radiant revival is Light Opera Works’ fourth coming of Franz Lehár’s masterpiece from an earlier turn of the century. Rudy Hogenmiller’s sterling staging carries more than enough jubilation to make The Merry Widow a holiday delight."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Fans of The Merry Widow will come away from this production fully satisfied. But it’s also an opportunity for people unfamiliar with operettas to see the genre at its best. This sort of show is a major part of theatrical heritage, and students of theatre and fans of musicals would serve themselves well by seeing it. Helbig and Opelka’s new translation fits the story to modern taste despite the lightness of the story, and is rarely forced or contrary to rhyme and meter. You know when seeing Light Opera’s work that the cost of the ticket is necessary for the production values and talent of the performers onstage and in the pit. It’s a goofy, but well-crafted work that will leave you smiling for hours."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...There are often times where it is difficult to do a rating for a production. The reason that this happens is when there is a play that is not a fan favorite and despite the solid talent and production values, is hard to strongly suggest people spend their entertainment dollars on. Over the years, I have found the Light Opera Works has struggled with whether they should do musicals, musical comedies, or as their name implies, Light Operas and Operettas. They do wonderful work, using some equity performers and many who are hoping one day to become stage performers “full-time”(if this can really be said for actors). Their current production is “The Merry Widow” directed by Rudy Hogenmiller, who as always, does a solid interpretation in his presentation, but this is a difficult show to do."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...In this joyful, lavish-sounding operetta, romance and rendezvous, trifles and trysts fly willy-nilly as the story of a flirtatious young widow and her true love agree to finally stop playing games with each other. Well-directed and choreographed by Rudy Hogenmiller, beautifully by a large cast and accompanied by an accomplished, full orchestra and staged with color, style and elegance, this production, presented in English (the language of love) will satisfy even the most discerning musical tastes."
