Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...If you detect a certain weariness of tone, it's because I think "White Christmas" is not a structurally distinguished piece of live musical entertainment - the best line of the night goes to the kid, Susan (Maya Lou Hlava, at the show I saw Friday), when she says something along the lines of, "It's snowing, guys, and let's open the barn doors." That's the finale of the piece - it snows forgiveness, and everyone gets to warble that song."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...No doubt about it: Drury Lane Theatre’s lavish production of “White Christmas,” the classic Irving Berlin musical that is equal parts comedy, pathos, show business homage, patriotic hymn, tap dance showcase and American songbook par excellence, is sensational. It is guaranteed to turn every garden variety Scrooge into a joyful celebrant."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...This Drury Lane production, directed by William Osetek, is packed with talent: Sean Allan Krill and Matt Raftery kill as the two WWII vets turned Broadway hoofers. But at two and half hours, this show left me dreaming of a blue pencil."
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Indulgent, complex tap numbers stretch so long, it’s shocking the company remains upright, let alone singing without even a hint of being winded. Secondary plotlines and character relationships develop slowly and build into a stage show with far more depth than its source material. Irving Berlin’s iconic songbook comes to life. Which is all to say, this cast and artistic team make something incredibly difficult look incredibly easy, and that’s what makes it all so fun."
ShowBizChicago - Highly Recommended
"...Overall though, the issues with Drury Lane's White Christmas are minor with the voices were wonderful. I loved Sean Allan Krill's voice singing "Count Your Blessings" and "Blue Skies". He really has a lovely baritone voice. Matt Raftery's voice and dancing were excellent, and smartly conveyed Phil's mischievous and care-free character traits through brilliant movements. Gina Milo and Erica Stephan's voices blended beautifully during "Sisters" I loved their voices and the choreography. All of the blending of the four lead voices were wonderful. Alene Robertson can still belt, as she proved in " Let Me Sing/I'm Happy". Then there is young Maya Lou Hlava (whom I assume is approximately 12 years old) possessing a powerful voice and a sweet on-stage presence."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...The real star here is the Irving Berlin songbook. Experiencing thrilling jazz, tap and swing tunes and strong ballads begs for more musicals based on the great composers. Take your family to experience an old fashion slick, well-danced Broadway musical devoid of gimmick but full of heart and toe-tapping songs. Drury Lane Theater returns to their roots with this old fashion backstage musical with heart, tradition and sing-able songs. Happy Holidays!"
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...What makes a play like this work? A director who truly understands the warm and fuzzy book (Paul Blake and David Ives) and of course the music and lyrics of one amazing musician, Irving Berlin. Just think; in addition to the title song, "Sister", "Blue Skies". "Count Your Blessing instead of Sheep", "How Deep is the Ocean", "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm", " I Love A Piano" (this particular number as choreographed by Matt Crowle, is a show stopper that is worth the price of the ticket, alone!) and many more."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...The holiday season may be just beginning (earlier and earlier each year, it seems), but this glorious, star-studded production is bound to encourage audiences to haul out the holly and begin composing letters to Santa. This sweetly old-fashioned musical, filled with welcome delights from the Irving Berlin songbook, is performed with panache and pizzazz. And while William Osetek’s production manages to feel fresh and contemporary, it’s seasoned with just the right touch of sentimentality and heart. It’s a warm, glittering commencement to the Christmas season for audiences of all ages."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Somewhat Recommended
"...This is my third exposure to “White Christmas” and again I walked away convinced that it’s both mediocre and long, a lengthy 2½ hours. The opening night audience was clearly in a receptive mood, ready for a light evening, and friends, they don’t get much lighter than this. Everyone laughed and applauded around me while I sat glumly. Still, I did enjoy the “I Love a Piano” dance number, Hlava’s spunky performance, and a chance to see Robertson do her sassy and brassy thing once again. But that’s about it."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Recommended
"...In the mood for an old-fashioned, Christmas show about love and family and generosity? The good folks of Drury Lane are offering up a family friendly spectacular is as elegant and charming as the venue itself with the holiday favorite, Irving Berlin's White Christmas."