Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...When “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” the musical based on director Pedro Almadovar’s 1988 film, debuted at New York’s Lincoln Center Theater in 2010, it featured a starry cast but failed to win enthusiastic reviews and lasted only a few months. The show’s Chicago area debut, which opened Sunday at Theatre at the Center in Munster, Ind., should go a long way in altering its fortunes."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...Much credit should be given to the actors who collectively delivered a fantastic performance. There is not one lackluster performance to mention since everyone did such a great job with absorbing their character, along with maintaining clarity and diction when singing, particularly Summer Smart as Candela since one of her songs is fast paced and looks like she doesn’t stop to take a breath. Smart was fantastic when she belted out her frantic tune and had the audience roaring with laughter. Smart, along with the majority of the leading actors in this production, are all recipients of the Joseph Jefferson Award, and have had many years of experience with other regional theatres, national, and even coming back to perform at Theatre at the Center. Joining Summer Smart, the cast included Cory Goodrich as Pepa Marcos, Larry Adams as her husband Ivan, Hollis Resnik as Lucia, Nathan Gardner as Carlos, and George Wolff plays the Taxi Driver, who not only serves as the comic relief in the show, but also the narrator. Wolff has done a remarkable job with his character, and his delivery was spot on. Originally cast as the Taxi Driver was Chicagoland actor Bernie Yvon, who passed away just before the show began previews. Under those circumstances, Wolff didn’t miss a beat, and he kept the show going while continuing to get laughs."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...Yes, the show is contrived and in many ways, inane, but with the set (Ann N. Davis), lighting (Shelly Strasser Holland), sound ( Barry G. Funderburg), props (Jessie Howe) and costumes (Brenda Winstead) we have two plus hours of great fun. Danny Herman’s choreography is very Latin and his dancers truly have the flavor that is often missing when Gringos take on Latin dances- they truly have it! We get to watch a cab and a motorcycle circle the stage and lots of great dancing."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Bill Pullinsi, collaborating with Choreographer Danny Herman and Musical Director William Underwood (who also conducts the show’s pulsating, Spanish orchestra), has masterfully directed a brisk, highly entertaining, melodic and visually exciting production that never disappoints. Costumed in vibrant jewel tone period fashions by Brenda Winstead and performed upon Ann N. Davis‘ expressionistic, flexible set, this wonderful, seldom-seen musical showcases the talents of some of Chicago’s finest talents. For an evening of madness and sheer escape, spiced with saucy Mediterranean heat and fervor, this is the musical to see."
