Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...For all of the talent on this stage, this rote seasonal show still somehow lack stakes, emotional intensity and, frankly, sufficient confidence in its own storytelling. Marriott’s history of musical excellence demands better."
Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"...Based on Bob Clark's 1983 film incorporating humorist and radio personality Jean Shepherd's semi-autobiographical stories from "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash," "A Christmas Story, The Musical" is a memory play set in the fictional, northwest Indiana city of Hohman during the weeks leading up to Christmas 1940."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Director Scott Weinstein’s funny, full-hearted production puts the light on more than Rush’s orchestral cursing capabilities or an adorable ensemble of children that fully embody the slightly manic, rambunctious joy that ramps up in grade-schoolers in the final days before Santa’s arrival."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...As I said earlier, the kids are amazingly talented and have a great deal of stage time. Braden Crothers, Jake Maverick Gabor, Jordan Helvie, Maya Keane, Jaxon Mitchell, Elin Joy Seiler, Meena Sood, Annabel Finch, Lucian Gutfraynd, Gordon Henry Heisler and Lily Martens- loved them all. There are no hummable songs in this show, but there are numbers that you will still think about later. “Ralphie To The Rescue” is one of those and I am sure you will love the school teacher’s “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out”. Jenna Cocker-Jones is a wild Miss Shields and her song is a show stopper."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Marriott’s fabulous, family-friendly holiday musical doesn’t feature ghosts, like “A Christmas Carol,” or a grumpy green gremlin, as in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” or even an unusually tall Santa’s helper, as in “Elf, the Musical.” But this is a funny, poignant, heartwarming holiday story that, thanks to the popular 1983 film that inspired it, has become another Christmas classic. “When It All Comes Down to Christmas,” audiences will find a whole lot to like in this incredible, infectious story of a very realistic Midwestern family and the dreams of one special, endearing little boy."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...Performed in the round at Marriott theatre, A Christmas Story: The Musical is a holiday hit that has it all. From its nonstop laugh out loud scenes to its big, colorful song and dance numbers to its warm and moving story at its core that centers around family, this is a sure-fire treat to add to this Christmas season’s to do list."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Unlike so many movies-turned-musicals, this tuneful presentation actually enhances its telling. Benj Pasek’s and Justin Paul’s buoyant score helps bring out the best in the main characters and highlight Marriott’s strong, large ensemble cast. Several all-cast production numbers and a few lovely ballads help add joy to this comfortable, fictional world."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Recommended
"...Marriott Theatre’s “A Christmas Story: the Musical,” is a comedy that captures some of the frustrations and coping mechanisms of the middle-class, Midwestern Parker family, and particularly, those of its nine-year-old boy named Ralphie. Middle school aged kids and their parents would appreciate Ralphie’s and the Old Man’s challenges."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...The songs here are fun, though they are not as catchy as in some musicals. You may not leave singing “It All Comes Down to Christmas” or “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out,” but numbers like the latter and “Ralphie to the Rescue” perfectly capture the kind of daydreams young kids might have as they imagine themselves to be the action heroes of their own lives. The voices are uniformly outstanding, led by young Keegan Gulledge (or, in some performances, Kavon Newman) as Ralphie. Gulledge, whom I saw, possesses not only a fine voice but also the acting skill to portray the character’s emotional reactions to a variety of challenges including bullies as well as the aforementioned bunny suit."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...Like a snow globe that comes to life for the holidays, A Christmas Story, The Musical, is now playing at the Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire. Based on the beloved 1983 movie classic, “A Christmas Story,” the show takes the audience back to the 1940s, set in Northwest Indiana.
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"...The last production for the 2022 season at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is A Christmas Story The Musical. The book was written by Joseph Robinette and the music and lyrics are by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the creative team which gave us The Greatest Showman, La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen. ACS The Musical was composed in 2012. Under the superb direction of Northwestern's own Scott Weinstein, the out of this world choreography by Tiffany Krause and an orchestra for your ears under the direction of Ryan T. Nelson and Kevin Reeks, you are in for a holiday treat."
