The Fantasticks presented by Quest Theatre Ensemble at The Blue Theater

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Director Kent Joseph's staging thus avoids the cloying sentimentality that can undermine this tale of a young couple who find true love only after their romantic illusions have been shattered by hard experience. But the production also fails to convey this delicate work's wry undertones of melancholy and irony."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...Joseph provides crystal clear storytelling and crafts this show so perfectly that shifting from the ridiculous comedy of a song like "This Plum Is Too Ripe" into the pure power of "I Can See It" is effortless. The fact that Joseph keeps this cast out of the clear melodramatic pitfalls is a credit to the production. Quest's The Fantasticks is thoroughly enjoyable and should be toward the top of any list of shows to see."

Around The Town Chicago - Recommended

"...I am sure there will be notes from other reviewers as well as audience members relative to the rating I have placed on the Quest Theatre Ensemble's production of "The Fantasticks" that opened this week-end. That is to be expected. This show is the longest running musical EVER! This show is a small and wonderful little musical that I have loved since working in the show back in the 60's, and a show that I feel every theater person should see. While Quest theatre's production is not as rigid as many I have been associated with or viewed, and perhaps the slight changes they made will throw off some people, I feel it is worthy of seeing as a lesson in story-telling."

Chicago Theatre Review - Somewhat Recommended

"...Presenting live theatre for free, or even at affordable prices, is admirable in this money hungry world. Quest Theatre Ensemble, the “People’s Theatre of Chicago,” has been producing plays and musicals for fifteen years. While there are many fine moments in this production, and some excellent talent is represented on the stage, the simplicity of this musical has been forgotten or completely ignored. Without the requisite restraint and naivette that Schmidt and Jones intended, this classic loses its beauty and charm. Try to remember…indeed."

Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Recommended

"...With simple sets, a small ensemble cast and timeless humor, golden theatre favorite, The Fantasticks, this show is perfectly-suited for Quest Theatre Ensemble and its intimate space at The Blue Theater."

Picture This Post - Somewhat Recommended

"...From conversations with other attendees on opening night, it seems that the embellishments on the script and other production deficits are a sour disappointment to those who already knew this script well. For first timers though you will be no worse for the wear in seeing THE FANTASTICKS.

BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended

"...Director Kent Joseph's production of the world's longest running musical (it first opened 57 years ago) is sweet, romantic and nostalgic without losing some of the elements of The Theatre of the Absurd and comedia dell'arte that give the piece its edge."