Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Rachel Rockwell, who directs and choreographs with great exuberance, does not stick with one conceit but throws pretty much every aquatic motif in the book at the material. Matthew Uzarraga, the talented kid playing Flounder, has the wheelies we associate with the Broadway production (they didn't work then, and they don't work now). At other points, Scott Davis' wildly eclectic set offers up a fabric sea out of which Ariel can pop, quite effectively."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Without question, director-choreographer Rachel Rockwell's enchanting production of Disney's "The Little Mermaid" has enough enthralling visual magic and larger-than-life characters to keep kids riveted while serving as a magical introduction to live theater. But the wonder of it all, as is invariably the case, is how skillfully the show spins its story with multiple levels of sophistication. And its brevity (about 80 perfect minutes) is an added strong point."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...If I hadn't been so distracted by the abundance of tired cliches on display here-or the little girls and their moms admiring hypersexualized mermaids traded as property between powerful men-well, maybe I would've enjoyed this more than I did. Rachel Eskenazi-Gold, who plays Ariel, is wildly talented, as is the entire supporting cast; I hope to see them all in something worthy."
Gapers Block - Somewhat Recommended
"...Honestly, I wouldn't brave Navy Pier to see The Little Mermaid unless I had a little one in tow. But watching Elena sit still for over an hour, barely glancing away from the stage except to smile in my direction, was worth the price of admission."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...Rachel Rockwell often does her own choreography, and in this case, created serviceable pop-style routines for Ariel's sisters. The slapstick movements aren't always as sharp, and maybe it's not meant to be. Scott Davis's scenic design, always minimal on Chicago Shakespeare's thrust stage, has enough coral and man-o-wars to fire the imagination, and Shawn Sagady's projections and Yael Lubetzky's lights fill up the underwater world. A small orchestra conducted by Valerie Maze keeps Alan Menken's score lively over seventy-five minutes that somehow are still a little light on plot."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...Directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell, The Little Mermaid is now playing at the Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier. Ms. Rockwell once again creates a dynamic 75 minute fun filled musical extravaganza for the whole family to enjoy."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's production of "Disney's The Little Mermaid" is delightful, for adults as well as children. It was definitely a hit with my 6 year-old granddaughter, Molly, who was spellbound. My other guests, my niece Kelly, a senior at Indiana University, and her mother (my sister-in-law) Christine both said they loved it too. Kudos to CST for doing their summer musical with the same class and style as their Shakespeare. 4 BIG Spotlights for "The Little Mermaid"!"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Although the stage musical differs slightly from the animated feature film, this charming production is funny, moving and a spectacle for the eye and ear. Directed and Choreographed by Rachel Rockwell, with solid Musical Direction by the talented Roberta Duchak and supported by a superlative team of artists, both on- and off-stage, this show stands out as one of CST’s best-executed, most beloved, in a long line of musicals for young audiences. It’s a family musical that will both teach and entertain, filled with funny, heartwarming characters, gorgeous music and stunning special effects guaranteed to enchant audiences of all ages. The best way to beat the summer heat is to take a plunge “Under the Sea” at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre."
