Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Iglehart is just fabulous in “A Wonderful World,” a new musical directed by Christopher Renshaw that opened Friday night at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre with Broadway aspirations and Vanessa Williams among its producers. The Tony Award under his belt for “Aladdin” is testament to Iglehart’s improvisational skills and on-stage charisma, but that’s far from all he’s is doing here. He clearly has intuited that Armstrong, who navigated American show business throughout the 20th century, had to play multiple characters, and that his chaotic personal life (four wives, hundreds of affairs) suggested an undercurrent of profound pain. Iglehart’s talents could be compared to those of Nathan Lane, if you’ll forgive the over-simplification."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...The world would be more wonderful with a great bio-jukebox musical about the wondrous Louis Armstrong. At moments, this attempt, "A Wonderful World," puts forth qualities of what such a show could feel like, especially in the dynamic, vivacious, funny, increasingly complex lead performance of James Monroe Iglehart - famous for his Tony-winning turn as the genie in the Broadway version of "Aladdin.""
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...The show has a terrific central performance from James Monroe Iglehart as Armstrong, and the supporting cast is also strong. But currently, Aurin Squire's book is both overstuffed and underdeveloped. The first act in particular feels like it's rushing along through a series of Armstrong's wives, which means that his second wife, Lil Hardin-a major collaborator and influence on the musician-gets short shrift. (Jennie Harney-Fleming is excellent as Hardin, which makes it even more frustrating that she's so soon erased from the story, as is Gavin Gregory's King Joe Oliver.)"
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Recommended
"...Audiences will enjoy A Wonder World, but temper your expectations of hearing any instrumental performance Armstrong is known for because this isn't that play."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Electricity filled the Cadillac Palace Theatre as I watched “A Wonderful World: A New Musical about the Life and Loves of Louis Armstrong.” One of the world’s most iconic figures in jazz music, Armstrong distinguished himself as an all-around entertainer who mesmerized audiences with the power of his music and his personality. In this glorious Broadway In Chicago production, James Monroe Iglehart channels Armstrong to a “T”—and the “T” doesn’t just stand for trumpet playing! Iglehart has cultivated the man’s gravelly and distinctive bass-baritone voice, broad smile, and musical proficiency."
WTTW - Recommended
"...He was the musician with the instantly identifiable raspy tenor voice and the ideal “chops” for both a trumpet player and vocalist. And he was the performer who, despite living through decades of racism, possessed a spirit that enabled him to sing “What a Wonderful World,” a song that was clearly a personal anthem."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...The Chicago touring production, which I consider a work in progress, is rumored to be heading to Broadway. I believe the show is truly a work of art, but it's stuffed with too much material. By Act II the audience is overloaded with information. Mr. Squires needs to take a closer look to see how he can better eliminate the fat and focus on Armstrong's love life. While doing this he can connect the story's sprawling episodes and determine where to make some cuts. Just keep the music, the dancing, the magnificent James Monroe Iglehart in the starring role, and focus on those four gifted and talented Loves of Armstrong's Life."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...Directed by Christopher Renshaw and conceived by Renshaw and Andrew Delaplaine, "AWonderful World" is a hit musical that is an absolute must-see. The perfectly written storyline steadily moves you through Louis Armstrong’s life through song and dance as he pursues a wonderful world through blue notes, scatting, and sheer perseverance."
The Fourth Walsh - Recommended
"...Louis Armstrong led a fascinating life of evolution and contradiction. He refused to abide by racist ‘norms.’ Yet, he wanted a traditional home life with a wife in the kitchen. Armstrong became infamous as the ‘best trumpeter in the world’ largely due to his wives’ influence and belief in him. The story is charming and riveting. A WONDERFUL WORLD is in a word… wonderful!"
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Somewhat Recommended
"...The smile and the irascibility-both powered Louis Armstrong through fifty-some years in the public eye. That might be a little too much time to distill, though, even through the filter of his love life. This band may need to really dig through their suitcases while out there on the road to see what's worth keeping and what's worth leaving behind."
PicksInSix - Recommended
"...As told through the eyes of his four wives-an ever-present Greek chorus of exceptionally powerful vocalists and gifted performers-who anchor the critical turning points of Armstrong's career, Aurin Squire's book follows a linear arc from the turn of the 20th century to the early 70s infused with feature performances and explosive, picture perfect, dance routines."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...I am a huge Louis Armstrong fan, and highly enjoyed this musical journey into his life and the perspective of his past female loves. My friend also loved the musical. It was charismatic, entertaining, energetic and vibrant storytelling."
