Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Let's say at the start that Mullen's dedicated Chicago "Urinetown" is a full-blown rendition of the 2002 Tony Award-winning spoof musical about a corporate takeover of urinals, as written and composed by the brilliant former Chicagoans Greg Kotis and Mark Hollmann. It is well sung and staged with attention to detail. It is populated by professionals from Chicago and well beyond, and performed with eye-popping gusto. And it nearly busts its collective gut trying to please. Which also happens to be its most obvious flaw."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Not only does the show look fabulous in the intimate, brick-walled, 300-seat confines of the Mercury, but it features a hugely talented cast possessed of amphetaminelike energy and a perfect understanding of how to attack this blend of tongue-in-cheek satire and theatrical valentine. Tom Mullen's sharp, economical direction doesn't miss a trick or a piece of shtick, and he sees to it that every clever lyric is understood. Brian Leoffler's wildly funny and exuberant choreographic pastiches are priceless."
Daily Herald - Recommended
"...This musical is a true gem: A hilarious Tony Award-winning musical so utterly audacious that you have no choice but to be se-duced by its many charms. The story takes place 20 years after a major drought led to a ban on private toilets. Citizens must pay ridiculous fees for use of the "public amenities," which finally leads to a revolt. Who knew bathroom humor could be this much fun?"
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...By the time regular theatergoers read this, they may have seen glowing reviews in other papers for Urinetown, the Musical. They’re all true—this Urinetown is a smart, sassy and intimate version of the surprise Broadway hit that was written here in Chicago...Urine for a good time with this Urinetown, the Musical."
Chicago Free Press - Highly Recommended
"...Certainly there has never been a musical that promised as little and delivered as much as “Urinetown.” This uniquely entertaining little masterpiece, which began in Chicago and went on to win 2002 Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical, soars over the top of theatrical convention and into the stratosphere of true classics. Miss this and you’ll lose a chance to experience the indescribable delights that only inspired theater can offer."
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...it's tough to make the case that the hysterical Urinetown, which was created by former storefront Chicagoans and originally appeared on Broadway with its ironic, and bare-bones sensibility intact, should look like anything but the original model, even with a Chicago address. So even though this vastly entertaining, new, local version offers nothing Broadway's didn't, it hardly suffers from the fact that it's a virtual replication."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...The bizarre plot and crude themes only ruffle the feathers of the Broadway musical purists. That’s playwright Greg Kotis’ point as he and the talented Mark Hollman created an in-your-face show that will challenge your basic concept of what makes a musical. They succeeded beyond even their expectations."
