Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...But if you head to Cahn Auditorium in Evanston this weekend, you can hear 27 musicians under the baton of Roger L. Bingaman, playing such ditties as "Soon It's Gonna Rain," "They Were You" and, of course, "Try to Remember," a gorgeous song that has only deepened in resonance. So this Light Opera Works piece is not a restoration of the original orchestrations, as is typical with this company, but an expansion. Quite a dramatic one."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Hogenmiller graces Cahn Auditorium's 140-minute crash course in life's challenges with deft dances and cunning moments of truth. Adam Veness's simple and ever-changing set creates its own dynamic dialogue. On opening night the action, especially in the second act, felt a tad lethargic. (It's not smart to belabor the musical's messages or let the audience predict or overly examine the lessons learned.) Fortunately, the magic matters so we treasure the show's tricks. You won't need to "try to remember" because this happy ending earns its emotion."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...You’ll hear blues, jazz riffs as well as haunting ballads and sweet waltzes. This ‘full’ production of The Fantasticks is a rare and memorable theatrical treat. Both lovers of the show (like me) and those curious need to see this production to experience one of the greatest and nuanced musicals ever mounted for the stage. All will be pleased by this production. There is a reason that The Fantasticks lasted 42 years Off-Broadway running for 17,162 performances: its a wonderful musical! Get to Light Opera Works to see the expanded version – it is delightful."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...One of the biggest problems I have with Light Opera Works and their productions is that they run for such short periods of time that many readers never get to witness the creativity that they bring to the theater. Tis truly a shame! So, my friends, if you really want to see their latest production, “The Fantasticks” as never seen before, you need to hustle your way to Evanston, because “Beyond that road” lies an empty Cahn Theater ( well, after June 14th), and I for one would hate to see you miss out on this classic, long running musical that still holds a dear place in my heart."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...Rudy Hogenmiller's production of this American musical classic is dazzling and dreamy, yet a bit overstuffed. The original production by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, with its intimate, less-is-more style of presentation, is nearly perfect as can be. It doesn't require additional scenes, new songs or full orchestration. While this expanded version is interesting, it lacks the intimacy of the 1960 version. Conductor Roger L. Bingaman's musical sinfonietta sounds lush and full, but it's really Linda Madonia on piano and, in particular, Benjamin Melsky on harp who make this score sing. Sometimes sluggish, the pacing slows this production down to a ponderous two-and-a-half hours. With so much talent giving their everything on the Cahn Auditorium stage, this interesting production should really be "Much More.""
