Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Fleming (who killed earlier this year in Aurora as Penny in "Hairspray") brings a level of broad but sincere comedy of which ONJ, and the previous tellers of her Gospel, could only dream. On Sunday night Fleming wholly convinced me that this is what we have been missing from our blonde Kiras all along. I think she's my favorite of the four I've seen."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...You’ve got to hand it to writer Douglas Carter Beane, who penned the book for “Xanadu,” the 2007 Broadway musical. Not only did he draw on the goofy 1980 screenplay by Richard Christian Danus and Marc Reid Rubel, but he also pumped up the Greek mythology references, borrowed a related idea from the 1984 film, “Clash of the Titans,” and worked in a send-up of Andrew Lloyd Webber. On the down side, Beane also turned up the campiness meter to high, no doubt his way of emphasizing the rather mournful level of culture of that particular era (complete with Etch A Sketch drawing and a leg-warmer craze in fashion), while at the same time celebrating it all."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...A tribute to American Theater Company's late artistic director, PJ Papparelli, this energetic revival of the 2007 Broadway musical based on the campy 1980 flop Xanadu (Papparelli's favorite movie) mines all that's great about the material-the eccentric story, the silly pop hits, the myriad opportunities for late-disco-era nostalgia-while avoiding most of the pitfalls of the belabored book."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...When I was sent the press release announcing that American Theater Company was doing, as its final production, this season, "Xanadu", as a final tribute to their late artistic director PJ Paparelli, I was deeply moved, yet concerned. This "camp" musical was a favorite of Paparelli, and knowing that the members of this company felt that he would watch over them from wherever it is he has "landed". Evidently he is! This production is more powerful than any of the Broadway in Chicago productions, ever! Yes, even the more intimate road show that graced the intimate theater known as the Broadway Playhouse. This is one that should be seen by anyone seeking a fun night at the theater!"
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...The hardworking ensemble consists of Kasey Alfonso, Hanah Rose Nardone, James Nedrud and Daniel Spagnuolo, all of whom throw themselves body-and-soul into this production. This chorus of mythical beings bring balance and burlesque to Lili-Anne Brown’s hysterically camp production. And, except for some occasionally difficult sound balance, this production is undeniably pure “Magic.”"
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...anadu ended on a lasting delirious note when music director Aaron Benham strapped on the rare and wonderful "keytar" for the finale - an all-wheels-on-deck blowout of the title song. We went out the doors of ATC still humming it before inevitably proceeding to decidedly more workaday activities. Xanadu is a wonderful, magical place everyone in Chicago must visit - find some friends and plan your visit!"
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"...According to ATC's press release, the late American Theater Company Artistic Director PJ Paparelli was a "not-so-secret fan of the camp classic." Initially a spectacular box-office flop, the 1980 film gained cult popularity, especially among gay audiences - so much so that a 2007 Broadway musical version enjoyed a year-plus run and two Tony nominations. For those who love 1980's nostalgia, roller skates and Electric Light Orchestra - and a healthy dose of sarcasm - Xanadu is a one-act delight that closes with the ever-catchy earworm of a theme song. American Theater Company presents a fitting tribute to Paparelli, with almost all elements hitting just the right notes."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...But like the best of those adaptations, Beane has a true affection for the material, or else he wouldn't have been able to add such a message about finding art wherever you can find it-even if it takes some digging to find in a desolate cultural wasteland. That's a message that late Chicago theater staple PJ Papparelli, a Xanadu cultist, no doubt upheld, and would be proud to see mounted in his tribute."
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...If the stage, the live band, the serious acting chops on display, or this raving review don't entice you to spend a night at ATC, then hopefully the throwbacks to hits such as "Magic" and "Suddenly" will bring you out. All in all, I had a great time and I hope you will too. Thanks ATC for giving us the perfect beat to start off summer time and pride season in Chicago."
NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"..."Xanadu" does get a little awkward at times. In an ideal world, this show would be staged in the round. As it is, most of the transitions are smooth but given that part of the set is elevated and in a far corner, comings and goings can sometimes be laborious. The musical components of the show offer little beyond spectacle and occasionally feel pointless or even indulgent beyond the measure of bad taste that this musical is simultaneously embracing and poking fun at."
