Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...For this version, which is quite well directed by Jeremy Sams and choreographed by the veteran Arlene Phillips (as was the 2011 London production), Andrew Lloyd Webber, who has deftly exploited the whole reality-show thing, actually wrote new music for this production, with his old pal Tim Rice putting down his cricket bat and coming up with some new lyrics. These ditties are not at the level of those Harold Arlen/E.Y. Harburg classics (competing with "Over the Rainbow" ain't no picnic), but they do beef up the drama of the show, mostly by lengthening the pre-twister scenes."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...To be sure, this theatrical version has its moments, as well as some newly penned bits of witty wordplay. It takes its time setting up the back story - suggesting that the orphaned Dorothy (Danielle Wade, real and unaffected, if hardly a showstopping singer), feels like an unwanted burden to her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, the hard-working Kansas farmers who adopted her. And it gives Professor Marvel - the itinerant showman and huckster who will become The Wizard in Dorothy's dream - a fine new song (as well as a charmingly designed little theater on wheels), that suggests both the wonders of the world and the appeal of home."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...You can see the iconic performances by Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, and Margaret Hamilton pretty much anytime you want for practically nothing. You can hear all of Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg's feather-light, razor-sharp songs. So what attraction can there be to this 2011 stage musical based on the movie? I mean, what attraction can there be for anyone other than a bunch of producers anxious to eat some crumbs from the table of Wicked? This show purges a classic like "If I Were King of the Forest" while making room for ham-handed, pace-deadening, message-sugaring interpolations by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The adaptation, by Webber and Jeremy Sams, makes a hash of beloved characters. It's the palest of pale imitations."
ShowBizChicago - Highly Recommended
"...Move over Wicked, your grand old, much beloved predecessor has arrived and is ready to prove that there is no place like home. The Wizard of Oz is back on stage with a revival that nicely balances the well known classic material with some modern updates to make it hip and fun for a whole new generation. This new production, which opened last night at the Cadillac Palace, is the brainchild of Andrew Lloyd Webber, who for many years wanted to do a remount of the show. After a top rated British television reality show search to find Dorothy, the London production opened to a huge advance, additional songs penned by long ago collaborator Tim Rice and original Phantom Michael Crawford as the title character."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...With all the fine technical features together with a excellent orchestra and a game cast doing an iconic well-know piece, there is no need to add bland new music or lyrics - just trust the material and do it with verve and class. This production, when it does the 'old material,' mostly does a fine job making the production worth seeing. The youngsters will not know the difference and they'll not be contaminated by the intrusions. Only us old-timers may be offended with the revisions and needless additions. I tolerated those additions because the whole production was so expertly presented that it still captured the magic of those wonderful Arlen & Harburg tunes. Yes, "there is no place like home." You only have until May 11,2014 to see this show."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...Luckily most of the stellar cast, led by Danielle Wade as Dorothy, seem to know just how to navigate the Land of Oz they have to inhabit. Wade looks lovely and sings beautifully as Dorothy even while toting around Nigel the rescue dog, as Toto. Jamie McKnight is a standout as Hunk/Scarecrow, making the most of his song and never failing to get a laugh from the particularly dim-witted Scarecrow. Mike Jackson as Hickory/Tin Man, manages to tap dance his way right into your heart even if that is what his character lacks. I feel a bit sorry for Lee MacDougall as Zeke/Lion. Mr. MacDougall has been asked to play the Lion as an unfunny, stereotypical sissy. His costume, and dialogue seem to be meant as a constant reminder of this fact. I didn’t know that a lack of courage meant “sissy,” apparently in this production it does."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...There are times when we wish that producers would leave things as they are ( or were in this case). “The Wizard of Oz” is a classic movie. one that comes back every year and that many generations are familiar with and learn from. Now, this new adaptation of the movie to a stage version is on the stage of The Cadillac Palace Theatre as part of the Broadway In Chicago season, and although it is filled with spectacle and some strong talent, it is played a little “Campy” for me. The music is that of the movie ( Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg) with a few surprises by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber added to the mix."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...I have to admit the the scene stealer in this show was Toto played by Nigel a rescue from the Northeast Humane Society, who spends a great deal of time on stage and has his acting down to a tee. The next big plus is the 12 piece orchestra who bring all the music to life and make for one great enjoyable evening.
The Wizard of Oz is only playing till May 11, although I do wish it was playing longer. But for a Mothers day treat bring mom and the whole family to a theatre classic that everybody can enjoy. And remember “there’s no place like home.”"
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Recommended
"...The producers have assembled a large cast of 33 performers, all wearing a vast wardrobe of colorful and exotic costumes designed by Robert Jones, who also designed the flashy set. The visual look is further enhanced by Hugh Vansone's dramatic lighting. Whatever might be said about this version, it was not done on the cheap. And there are some droll bits of dialogue, especially from the wicked witch and the Lion that should tickle the ears of the adults in the audience."