Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...Rachel Rockwell's terrific new production of this justly beloved musical - Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin's fantastic score hath not a single dud therein, and Thomas Meehan's book is a masterpiece of character development and storytelling, nothing less - achieves much of what I thought James Lapine's disappointing current Broadway revival would achieve but does not. And when I say the Aurora "Annie" is, on balance, better than the current Broadway "Annie" (while charging less than half the New York prices) I am not relying on distant memory. I just saw the New York production a couple of weeks ago."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...The powers that be on Broadway would do well to pay a visit to the Paramount Theatre in Aurora in the next few weeks. While the New York revival of "Annie" appears to have fallen rather flat, the Paramount edition, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell - that brilliant, insightful, mistress-of-grand-scale musicals packed with heart and smarts - has revealed the show's true genius."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...There's no denying that the family-friendly show can be syrupy at times, but for families experiencing tough times, the 2 ½ hour event will cause laughter and maybe even some tears. This is a story of hope and optimism, and this cheerful musical reinforces the belief in not giving up on whatever you believe in, as Annie herself belts out."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"... The story, the production and the generally fine cast are well worth the very modestly priced ticket for this extravaganza production. It can create a lasting holiday season memory for you, your family or friends. See an enjoyable evening of theater with one of the best productions around."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...While Broadway has a "new" revival of "Annie", the rags to riches musical that hits us in our current economic condition, we also have a new and very solid production of this comic strip character turned musical, with a book by Thomas Meehan,Music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, not onstage at our beautiful new suburban Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora. While the people who live in this area prefer not using the word "suburban", as Aurora is a fairly large "city", to those who venture from the city itself to place that are not the city, they are termed suburbs. Nonetheless, since the theater was renovated and reopened under the artistic direction of Jim Corti, we have seen many wonderful productions and to be honest, "Annie" is a true feather in their cap."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Leapin' lizards! Paramount Theatre has done it again. Just in time for the holidays Rachel Rockwell has directed and choreographed an unbelievably fresh, thoroughly heartwarming, family-friendly revival of this multi Tony Award-winning international hit musical. And the show's timeliness is not only reflected in its Christmastime setting; Depression Era America's economic and political climate feels all too familiar, as well. And while the musical's strong message of hope and optimism may seem schmaltzy to some (thanks to Thomas Meehan's book and Martin Charnin's lyrics), only a Scrooge could experience this stirring production without smiling or shedding a tear. This is an Orphan Annie to cheer about."
