Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...Rchard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music" plays often 'round these heartland parts - the recent epic productions at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Stratford Festival of Canada still ring in my ears with their full original orchestrations. Even if, like me, you think this is one of the two or three greatest musicals ever written for the American stage, you're likely tempted to skip the touring production recently arrived at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Especially since this is a Broadway tour that did not flow from a Broadway show, just a title that is known to sell. But it invariably is a mistake to underestimate the wily old Broadway director Jack O'Brien.
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...O'Brien's direction of the show is at its weakest in the final escape scene in which the crucial level of tension and terror is far from believable. But as we all know, the von Trapps made it over those mountains."
Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"...But any great production of "The Sound of Music" should resound with the power of song and its ability to spread joy, love and ultimately a sense of conscience for standing up for one's beliefs -- especially at the end when the von Trapp Family Singers plot an escape rather than support the Nazis in annexed Austria of 1938. All of these messages powerfully shine through in the lovely new national tour playing at Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...The Sound of Music may be a mildly kitschy, slightly old-fashioned, middlebrow musical, but it's a well-made one, with a strong book by Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse and a killer score by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Still, it's hard to make it soar the way it does in this flawless, faithful revival."
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...Not based on an actual Broadway production-astonishingly, The Sound of Music has only appeared on Broadway twice, in the 1959 original production and a 1998 revival-this staging of the Rodgers & Hammerstein chestnut was created for the road, touring in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the film version. So it must be said, then, that the painted backdrops of Douglas W. Schmidt's scenic design don't quite live up to the Technicolor splendor of Julie Andrews's Alps. Physically, Tony winner Jack O'Brien's production-all flat panels and scrims, sparsely furnished and scaled for shallow stages-looks like it was built to tour (Jane Greenwood's clever costumes are the exception)."
ShowBizChicago - Highly Recommended
"...The current tour is in fine shape and worth making the visit. Audiences will not be disappointed. The stars of the evening (thank goodness!) are Kerstin Anderson as Maria and Ben Davis as Captain Georg von Trapp: simply stellar actors and singers, both equally talented, who share their emotions with the audience easily and often. The two make the perfect team and possess the very best diction I have heard on a professional stage in a long time. Yes, in that cavernous Cadillac Palace Theatre one could hear every "d" and "t" pronounced. What a pleasure. Ben Davis' Captain was an emotional powerhouse while the 20-year old Kerstin Anderson is an artist far beyond her young years. One bit I found very touching was the moment he turned over his whistle to Maria when he realized he no longer need to run his children and household like a naval battleship. She played her role as a tom boy in her opening scenes and became a young woman during the story."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...The Sound of Music is so sweet, so pure that it can't help but please. This is solid family entertainment. This National Tour is charming and well executed; it is a star-making role for Kerstin Anderson, still a college student. She anchors a wonderful production. Hurry, you only have through Sunday, June 12."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...The Sound of Music has been capturing the hearts of audiences for decades, and director Jack O'Brien's production of it does not disappoint. O'Brien, a three-time Tony Award winner, has managed to breathe new life into one of the theatre world's beloved classics. Audiences all of ages will be left in awe of the cast's remarkable talent, as well as the production team's stellar design. O'Brien has dusted off a familiar old friend and re-ignited its vibrancy and relevancy in today's world."
Around The Town Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...The musical numbers are divine; "The Sound of Music" ( of course!), "Climb Every Mountain" (well done by Melody Betts as the Mother Abbess), "My Favorite Things", "Something Good", "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" , "Do-Re-Mi" (Why was Maria's guitar left in the case during this song? It has always been part of teaching them to sing) and a host of others. For the sheer energy of the musical numbers alone, this is a great introduction to "Musical Theater". I for one never saw the chemistry of the great love story between Captain Von Trapp ( Ben Davis) and the young postulant, Maria (Kerstin Anderson, who has a solid voice), who was sent to his home as a nanny for his children. We are supposed to watch this man see the light of his relationship with his neglected children and find the love of his life. The script tells us they fall in love, but the actors did not!"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Jack O’Brien has directed this production with warmth and wonder, while infusing it with a freshness. It’s full of spectacle and beauty, realistic characterizations and gorgeous music. An excellent first musical experience for young audiences, his production will impress patrons with its abundance of talent and a certain unbelievable intimacy, despite the majesty of its size and scope. His production also has a real feeling of family and faith. Audiences should climb every mountain standing in their way to see this production of a true American classic of the musical stage. There may never be another like it."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Obviously, Broadway in Chicago's and O'Brien's hills are truly alive with this Sound of Music production that every fan of musical theater who did something good in their youth or childhood deserves to see."
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...This production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC stays true to form and doesn't pull any groundbreaking stunts. For those who don't have an affinity for classic musicals, you can sit this one out. However, if you love the movie or are looking for a charming musical, this one's for you."