Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"..."Wonderland," aptly subtitled "Alice's Rock & Roll Adventure," is an all-new intimately staged musical featuring the songs of Michael Mahler, a most talented Chicago-based composer who, among other credits, penned the score for the promising new musical "Hero" and helped revise the lyrics for the new Cameron Mackintosh production of "Miss Saigon," which now is playing in London. Mahler writes sticky, melodic, smart songs, and the opening number for "Wonderland" (wherein the cast makes up the band) is a smash, mostly for the way it relates Alice to a common state for the contemporary Chicago-area tween: boredom."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...With music by Michael Mahler (everything from heavy metal and punk to English country), a book by Rachel Rockwell (the first “script” by this director-choreographer responsible for the current Drury Lane Theatre knockout, “Billy Elliot”), and lyrics that turn out to be a deft collaboration between the two, the show is an ideal mix of wit and heart that should have appeal for audiences of all ages."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Like a lot of kid-lit classics, Lewis Carroll’s two Alice books are much more fun for grown-ups, who get Carroll’s in-jokes and twisted wit. Happily, with this Chicago Children's Theatre production, director Rachel Rockwell and musical director Michael Mahler make Alice’s trippy adventures as appealing to children as they are to parents."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...In a world where negative influences are running rampant, it is refreshing to see such an enlightening, inspiring production come to life. Difficult times and uncertainty will plague us all at some point in our lives, but it is the choice we make in facing those problems that will define our success and happiness. Wonderland, Alice's Rock & Roll Adventure teaches audience members the value of their individuality and will no doubt inspire all who see it to take pride in who they really are."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Chicago Childrens Theatre’s new production of “Wonderland, Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure” is a brand new, high-energy, rock n’ roll Alice in Wonderland. My critical assistant, who happens to be my almost six-year-old granddaughter Molly, loved it. In fact, as we walked out of the Ruth Page, she asked if there would be autographs, the highest of accolades! Molly gives “Wonderland” 4 BIG Spotlights!"