The Lockout: A Musical presented by Six Hours Short Productions at American Theater Company

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Doug Reed is a bright spot as NBA commissioner David Stern, with a New York accent and Dr. Evil laugh; Ben Harpe and Patrick Poulin-as owner Phil Goodman and player Macon Jones-sing skillfully about their "budding bromance." But catchy songs give way to lethargic dialogue and boilerplate Moneyball references. If Fort and Gallagher tighten the playbook and stick to the 24-second shot clock, this material might make it to the postseason."

Examiner - Recommended

"...The cast operates with a cohesion most basketball teams can only hope to achieve, and the result is a show with heart bigger than its performance space. It's probably not for kids (again, it's got a Broadway-length running time) but if you're looking for a quintessential Chicago theater experience, it's a fun choice - minimal NBA knowledge required."

Centerstage - Somewhat Recommended

"...To try and sum up the levels of serene silliness conjured by Fort, Gallagher and director Joe Giovannetti is difficult, but the fact that a show about the NBA focuses almost entirely on the platonic love between two white man-children like Phil and Macon gives you an idea. And their songs for the most part are catchy and fun, if at times the rudimentary sound system makes it difficult to hear some actors over the live band. Also, the second act wherein the lockout actually occurs, is not as strong as act one. It turns out that contract negotiations are, indeed, difficult to theatricalize in an entertaining manner. Although their embodiment of the dreaded “amnesty clause” does perfectly capture its sinister intent."

ChicagoCritic - Not Recommended

"...Fort and Gallagher simply tried to do too much here. Their structure and characters were sophomoric; their lyrics lame; and their music blandly redundant. With a razor-thin premise, smart, witty quips with a catchy, tunefully score are badly needed. Those can hardly be found here. The poor vocals with slurred articulation rendered many of the lyrics unintelligible. Lastly, at 2 hours and 40 minutes, The Lockout plays about 30 minutes too long. This show needs to be rethought as to its stage worthiness. As it now plays, it is not worth seeing."

Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended

"...The Lockout: A Musical introduces a new genre; sports musicals. The content dribbles fast and furious. And the shots are all 3-pointers. Now, the level of audience enjoyment will be directly related to the person’s knowledge of professional basketball. Diehard b-ball fans can finally relive – hopefully with laughter – the hiccup in the 2011 NBA season. People who love musicals but hate sports might have an issue with this one. For me, I always try to have enough current sports awareness for cocktail chatter. I didn’t understand all of Fort and Gallagher’s pokes at the 2011 Lockout, especially some of the subtle nuisances. Yet, I remembered some of it and laughed at the spoofed recall. More importantly, I was impressed by Fort and Gallagher’s innovative development of a musical truly dedicated to a moment in sport’s history. And of course, I’m a sucker for a good bromance."